MEMOIR 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 




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MEMOIR 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS; 



EXTRACTS FROM HIS DIARIES AND LETTERS. 



mitfi an ^ppenUii:. 



BY THOMAS G. GARY. 











BOSTON 




LITTLE, 


BROWN AND 


COMPANY, 




112, "Washington Street. 




1856. 






No, [, 





Vq^ 
.T4-G 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by 

THOMAS G. CARY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



BOSTON : 
printed by john wilson and son, 
22, School Street. 



^ 



. PREFATORY NOTE. 



In this volume, the Memoir prepared by request for "Hunt's 
Merchants' Magazine " has been extended, chiefly by addi- 
tions, made at the suggestion of several readers, to the 
extracts from diaries and letters which appeared there, some 
of them descriptive of the manners of Asiatics, and of 
striking occurrences in the French Revolution. They will 
be found to have the interest which usually accompanies the 
statements of an eye-witness, while they casually indicate 
the character and habits of thouj^ht of the writer. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

BiKTU AND Parentage 2 

Education 8 

Visit to South Carolina 9 

Residence at St. Domingo 10 

Marriage 11 

Voyage to Canton in 1789 11 

Description of Batavia 12-42 

Trade on the North-west Coast of America and in China . 43, 207 

Voyage to France in 1794 45 

Autobiographical Sketch addressed to his Children, 53,197,207,210 
Execution of Fouquier Tintille and fifteen others • . . . 56, 107 
Journal of Events in Paris, in the Spring of 1795 .... 57-114 
Marchioness La Fayette — Assistance for her Son .... 58, 75 

Letter of Thanks from the Marquis 59 

Journey through France and Holland 115-164 

Atrocious Cruelty of Lebon at Arras 159,178 

Return to Paris 165 

Trial and Death of Bourbotte and his Associates .... 166-176 
Visit to Ermenonville, the last Residence of Rousseau . . . 180 

Journal in England 185 

Visit to Newgate — Major Semple 190 



4 CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Invitation from Gen. Washington — Visit to Mount Vernon . . 197 

Public Services, Military and Legislative 201-206 

Voyage to Europe and Detention at Morlaix in 1812 . . . . 210 

Liberation of a Conscript at Morlaix 216, and Appendix. 

Mission to the General Government from Massachusetts, in 

THE War of 1812 219, and Appendix. 

Aid in establishing the Massachusetts General Hospital . . . 220 

Death and Character of James Perkins, Esa 221 

Building of the First Railroad in the United States .... 222 
Donation for the Blind, and Progress in their Education . 223-220 

Voyage to Europe in 1835, and Diary there 229-238 

Dissolution of his Commercial Firm 239 

General Characteristics 240-254 

Decease of Mrs. Perkins 255 

Exertions in Aid of the Monument to Washington 257 

Failure of Sight 259 

Offer of Aid to the ATHENiiiUM, and Bequest of Samuel Apple- 
ton, Esa 260 

Decease 202 

Letter of Daniel Webster 263 

Proceedings of the Merchants of Boston 264 

Interment 268 



APPENDIX 271 



MEMOIR. 



Thomas Handasyd Perkins was born in Boston, 
Dec. 15, 1764, and named for his maternal grand- 
father, Thomas Handasyd Peck, who dealt largely 
in furs and the importation of hats. His father was 
a merchant, who died in middle age, leaving eight 
children, — three sons and live daughters, — most of 
them very young, to the sole care of their mother. 
She was a woman of excellent principles and re- 
markable energy, and undertook the heavy charge 
thus devolved upon her with deep solicitude (as 
appeared from a subsequent reference of her own 
to this passage of her life), but with firmness and 
ability ; courageously assuming the business of her 
husband, who had been connected with George 
Erving, one of the principal merchants in the town. 
Letters from Holland are remembered which were 
addressed to her as Mr. Elizabeth Perkins ; and 
when her eldest son, having attained the age of 
manhood, went some years afterwards to the Island 



MEMOIR OF 



of St. Domingo, where he established himself, he 
sailed from Boston in a ship, the " Beaver," of which 
his mother was part owner, and which had been 
chartered to the French government to transport 
part of their cavalry to Cape Fran9ois. 

This estimable lady discharged her duties success- 
fully, rearing her children with such advantages as 
fitted them for stations of responsibility, which they 
afterwards filled with credit to themselves and to her ; 
and at the same time taking an active part herself 
with the charitable associations of the town, which is 
shown by acknowledgments found among her papers, 
and in records of her services, as treasurer and other- 
wise, from those with whom she acted. 

On her decease, in 1807, it was voted " that the 
ofiicers of the Boston Female Asylum wear a badge 
of mourning for the term of seventy-one days " (corre- 
sponding probably to the years of her life), " in token 
of their high consideration and respect for the virtues 
of the deceased, and of their grateful and affectionate 
sense of her liberal and essential patronage as a 
founder and friend of the institution." She is still 
remembered by a few gentlemen, sons of her former 
neighbors and associates, as an excellent friend, of 
active benevolence, and as a lady of dignified, but 
frank and cordial, manners. 

Numerous descendants of hers, under various 
names, now move in different walks of life in the 
United States, in Europe, and Asia; and not a few 
of them are distinguished for prosperity and the wise 
use of wealth, and for intelligence and refinement, as 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 



well as for the sound principles which she inculcated 
on all. 

The success of several of the branches of her 
family was essentially promoted by the energy and 
warm-hearted sympathy of the subject of this me- 
moir, who was the second son, only six years of age 
at the death of his father in 1771. The life of one 
like him, who, with only such advantages as are 
within the reach of many young men, acquired great 
power to influence others, and, using it wisely, left 
the world, within his sphere of action, better for his 
existence, affords a useful example. 

His father lived in King Street, now State Street, 
where the conflict took place between the citizens 
and the troops, called afterwards the " Boston Mas- 
sacre ; " and, though he was little more than five 
years old at that time, the sight of the dead bodies 
and of the blood, frozen the next day on the street, 
made an impression on his mind that was never 
obliterated. The troops being quartered near there, 
many of the officers were afterwards visitors in his 
mother's family. 

At about seven years of age, he was put under the 
care of a clergyman of great respectability, at Middle- 
borough, about thirty miles from Boston, and was 
afterwards at school in Boston, until, intercourse with 
the country being stopped, his mother retired with her 
family to Barnstable, where she resided till the town 
was evacuated by the enemy. His grandfather, Mr. 
Peck, remained in Boston through the siege, but was 
nigh being sent home to be tried as a rebel for free- 
dom of speech. 



MEMOIR OF 



While living with his mother at Barnstable, both 
his legs were broken, by an unlucky accident, as he 
was returning from an excursion in the woods ; and 
though the limbs were well set, and he soon recovered 
the use of them, he occasionally felt the effect of the 
injury when the weather was bad, even in advanced 
age. There, too, he formed an early and close friend- 
ship, that remained unbroken for nearly eighty years, 
until terminated by death, with one of his companions, 
whom he had saved from drowning, — the late distin- 
guished lawyer and statesman, Harrison Gray Otis, 
nephew of the revolutionary patriot. 

Some time after the return of the family to town, 
his mother decided on giving him a collegiate educa- 
tion ; and he was sent, with other boys from Boston, 
— one of whom was the Hon. John Welles, now the 
oldest living graduate of Harvard, — to an instructor 
at Hingham, the E,ev. Mr. Shute, noted for his success 
in preparing lads for college. After residing there 
three years, and being prepared for Cambridge, he 
was so reluctant to enter college, that it was decided 
that he should go into a counting-house. He was 
strongly inclined by temperament to active life. 
Vigorous and bold, with a frame peculiarly fitted 
for endurance, which was afterwards developed in 
fine proportions for strength and beauty in manhood, 
he saw less to attract him in the life of a student 
than in one of enterprise, where he might indulge a 
love of adventure, and exercise the courage, equal to 
almost every emergency, which characterized him. 
He was placed with Messrs. Shattuck, then among the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. S* 

most active merchants in Boston, with whom he 
remained until he was twenty-one.* 

On leaving the Messrs. Shattuck, in 1785, not being 
well, he was advised to pass the winter in a warm 
climate; and visited his elder brother, Mr. James 
Perkins, in St. Domingo. He then went to Charles- 
ton, S.C. ; and, in some memoranda made for his 
children within a few years past, he refers to this 
visit to South Carolina in the following terms : — 

" As I had taken letters of introduction to some of 
the most distinguished inhabitants of Charleston from 
Gen. Lincoln and Gen. Knox, — the former of whom 
was the defender of Charleston during the war of the 
Revolution, and was a great favorite, — it gave me 
pleasant introduction into the best society under most 
favorable circumstances. As the inhabitants who have 
large plantations spend as much of their time on them 
as the climate will allow, I was an inmate in several 

* Long afterwards, he recurred to this decision with regret for haying relinquished such a 
privilege, and in advanced age repeatedly said, that, other things being equal (which condition 
he repeated emphatically), he should prefer for commercial pursuits those who had received 
the most complete education. In this opinion he seeems to have coincided with another expe- 
rienced merchant, who once gave it as the result of his observation in a long life, that, as 
a general rule, applied to the whole class of commercial men, of whom it is well known that a 
considerable proportion fail, those had succeeded best who were the best educated. It derives 
confirmation, too, from a fact generally noticed, both here and in Europe, by those who know 
what goes on in the public schools where lads are prepared by different courses of study re- 
spectively, either for college or for mercantile life, as their friends prefer: those who are 
engaged in classical studies for most of the week, and give but a small portion of it to other 
pursuits, are generally found to be well up, in arithmetic, geography, &c., with those who bestow 
their whole time on such branches. 

Without underrating the importance of a habit of attention to detail, or the knowledge of 
minute affairs and the qualities of merchandise, which may be acquired by early apprentice- 
ship, it is to be remembered that men of high culture, who mean to effect what they attempt, 
show great aptitude for the minutiae, as well as for the general scope, of any new business 
which they undertake, and that intellect well disciplined has considerable advantages in com- 
parison with routine. 

2 



10 MEMOIR OF 

of their families, but passed the principal part of the 
time at the plantation of Mr. Thomas Ferguson, who 
had several rice plantations, upon which he numbered 
upwards of eight hundred slaves. The plantations 
were at a place called Pon Pon ; and in the vicinity 
was Gen. William Washington, who was a nephew of 
President Washington, and during the war command- 
ed a regiment of cavalry. He gained a high reputa- 
tion as a soldier, and was an accomplished gentleman. 
There was fine sport with the gun ; geese, duck, teal, 
&c., being in great abundance. Every Saturday the 
gentlemen of the neighborhood met at a hunting- 
stand in a favorite spot for deer, hunted in the morn- 
ing, and made good cheer after the chase, — dining 
in the woods, and, in case of not having success in 
hunting, always securing a succedaneum, in the 
form of ham, chickens, and other ' creature comforts.' 
The Saturdays were real red-letter days ; and I could 
name twenty who were in the habit of meeting on 
such occasions, all of whom have long since retired 
behind the scenes." 

He soon afterwards accepted an invitation to join 
his brother in St. Domingo, and they formed a house 
there which was very successful ; but, finding that the 
climate did not agree with his health, he returned to 
Boston, and for some time attended to the business of 
the house in the United States, where their correspond- 
ence was extensive, — his younger brother, the late 
Samuel G. Perkins, Esq., filling his place in the firm. 

In 1788 he was married to Miss Elliot, only 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 11 

daughter of Simon Elliot, Esq. It was a union en- 
tirely of affection, and lasted for more than sixty 
years. His married life was commenced with neces- 
sity for strict economy ; but the connection probably 
gave an important bias to his commercial career, as 
it led to intimacy with Capt. James Magee, a relative 
of Mrs. Perkins, who had made one voyage to Canton. 
He soon turned his attention to trade with China ; and 
sailed from Boston, in February, 1789, as supercargo of 
the ship " Astraea," belonging to E. H. Derby, Esq., of 
Salem, bound to Batavia and Canton, and commanded 
by Capt. Magee. Difficulties were encountered, and 
inconveniences were necessarily submitted to then 
which are avoided now. The ship was not coppered ; 
and, her bottom becoming foul, they made a long 
passage to Batavia. Being in want of water before 
arriving there, they stopped at Mew Island, at the 
mouth of the Straits of Sunda, for a supply. Refer- 
ring to the voyage and this incident in some memo- 
randa made for his children many years afterwards, he 
says, — 

" The casks in which a part of our water was con- 
tained had been used in bringing coifee from the Cape 
of Good Hope ; and although burned out, and, as was 
supposed, purified, yet the water put in them was 
most disgusting. The waters from the cascade on the 
Java shore were, of course, duly appreciated. We 
remained in this beautiful bay several days. There 
were, at the time I speak of (now fifty-seven years 
since), no inhabitants on this part of Java. I went 



13 MEMOIR OF 

on shore every day, and in one of my excursions 
climbed the precipice over which the cascade flowed, 
to examine its source ; and, from what we learned on 
reaching Batavia, we were led to believe that we had 
run great hazard, as more than one instance had 
occurred of persons visiting the same spot having been 
destroyed by tigers who were slaking their thirst in 
this beautiful stream. Bats of great size were seen 
crossing the narrow strait which divides Mew Island 
from Java, and returning towards the close of day to 
their roosts on the Java side. 

" I remember as if it were yesterday the fright I 
had in crossing a creek, the bottom of which was 
hard, about knee-deep, and but a few yards wide. My 
crossing alarmed half a dozen or more young croco- 
diles or alligators, which were farther up the stream 
than where I was crossing ; and they came down upon 
us with a celerity which was inconceivable. Neither 
of them touched either my servant or myself; and I 
have no doubt they were quite as much alarmed as 
we were. 

" No boats or vessels of any kind came into the bay 
while we lay there. Prince's Island was in sight ; 
but the inhabitants, who had a bad name, were other- 
wise engaged, and we met nothing to alarm us. The 
pirates from Sumatra and the Eastern Islands made 
frequent attacks upon vessels in those days, even so 
far to the west as the Straits of Sunda ; though their 
depredations were more confined to Banca Straits and 
the more eastern archipelago." 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 13 

That part of Java remains uninhabited now, as it 
was at the time which he thus referred to, and both 
tigers and anacondas abound there. Quite recently, a 
botanist, engaged in making collections for a British 
nobleman, having crossed from Mew Island to the 
Java shore, his dog sprang from the boat as it touched 
land, and, dashing into the woods, was immediately 
seized by a tiger, as his master doubtless would have 
been if he had entered the thicket first. The enor- 
mous bats here mentioned are well known to natural- 
ists. It is said that coal has now been discovered in 
that vicinity, which may lead to some settlement there. 

They were among the earliest visitors at Batavia 
from this country, and he was treated with great civility 
by the governor-general and others in authority, but 
found some difficulty in obtaining permission to dis- 
pose of the cargo intended for that place. He kept 
a journal while there ; and the following extracts 
from it exhibit some obstructions in business and 
deference to authority from which foreigners are now 
relieved : — 

" July 13, 1789. — At five o'clock anchored in three 
fathoms water in the harbor of Batavia, where we saw 
Capt. Webb's brig. At seven the captain came on 
board, and gave us the most melancholy account of the 
state of aifairs at the place, — of the prohibition and 
restrictions on trade, and every thing else which could 
serve to give us the dumps. 

" 14th. — At eight in the morning, took Capt. 
Webb in our boat, and went on shore. The entrance 



14 MEMOIR OF 

of the canal through which we pass is about half a 
mile from the ship. The appearance in the harbor 
beautiful. Canals, w^hich cross each other at right 
angles through the city, are about forty or fifty feet 
wide. The water, which is always very dirty, must 
be unhealthy ; they are continually filled with boats, 
which carry up and down cargoes. 

" The variety of nations, which are easily to be 
known by their different countenances, astonishing. 
Great numbers of Chinese. Stopped at the custom- 
house, where the names of the captain and myself 
were taken, and other minutes respecting our passage, 
&c. As the canal is difficult to pass after getting to 
this place, which is about a mile and a half from 
shore, and through the centre of the town, we took a 
coach, which was provided us by the scribe who ques- 
tioned us, and with whom I rode to the Shabendar's. 
Received with civility by him, but discouraged from 
expecting permission to sell. Represented our situa- 
tion, the encouragement we had ever met with, &c. 
He told us he would do every thing in his power to 
serve us, but feared we should not succeed. 

" Was conducted to the hotel, where all strangers 
are obliged to put up. Found Blanchard, who speaks 
of his prospects as distressing. Had been here a 
week, and done nothing but petition. 

"According to common custom, presented a petition 
through the Shabendar for permission to sell. "Waited 
upon the director-general, for whom we had a letter 

from Mr. L , his nephew. His house a palace. 

Pie received us, Dutchman-like, in his shirt-sleeves, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 15 

and his stockings half down his legs ; took our ad- 
dress, and told us we should hear from him again ; 
think he will be of service to us. Made other ac- 
quaintances through my knowledge of French, and 
endeavored to make some friends. To-morrow the 
council sit, when our fate is to be known. 

" This OA'Cning the British ship ' Vansittart ' arrived ; 
and the captain, whose name is Wilson, with his 
second-mate, purser, and doctor, came on shore. Was 
very happy to find the doctor to be the gentleman 
for whom I had a letter, and whom I supposed to 
have been in the ' Pitt,' Indiaman : he seems to merit 
all which has been said to me of him. Feel myself 
drawn towards him more from his being a countryman 
than perhaps from any other circumstance, on so short 
an acquaintance. 

" Thursday, 15th. — Anxious for the reception the 
petition may meet. At ten o'clock, Capt. Wilson and 
I went with the Shabendar, with our petitions, to the 
council-chamber. After walking the hall a long time, 
and being witness to a great deal of pompous parade, 
was introduced to the council-chamber, where the 
members, who are eight in number, were seated round 
a large table covered with silk velvet, with the govern- 
or-general as president. I made my respects and pre- 
sented my petition, and then left them, to take another 
stroll in the hall, till the Shabendar, upon the ringing 
of a bell, once more introduced us to the great cham- 
ber, when Capt. Wilson had liberty to land his articles ; 
but we, poor, despised devils, were absolutely denied 
the liberty of selling a farthing's worth. Whatever 



16 MEMOIR OF 

I thought of the partiality, I very respectfully took 
my leave, but determined to persevere ; and, after 
much difficulty, got leave to renew our petitions. 

"16th. — Keceived an invitation to sup with the 
director, where we were superbly entertained, and met 
much company. Many speak French; represented 
our situation; music at supper. 

"Friday, 17th. — Nothing to be done until Mon- 
day, when the council meet again. It is supposed we 
shall not have our future petition acceded to. Mak- 
ing interest. 

"Sunday, 19th. — Dined with the governor, and 
received civility. An elegant place ; the area, where 
we dined, superb, and the prospect round it not to 
be exceeded. Passed the evening, by invitation, at 
the director's, where were all the Council of Eight, 
the governor, the old director-general, and other 
grandees. More parade than before. Played cards. 
Custom of washing before and after dinner ; the im- 
provement in luxury ; washing in rose-water ; supper 
elegant, — superbly so ; huzzaing, and the return 
from the owner of the house after any compliment- 
ary toast. 

" I wrote a petition in behalf of Blanchard and 
myself, and had it translated into Dutch. 

" Monday, 2()th. — Dined with the Fiscal, who 
treated us with good fare ; the British officers there, 
and many persons of consequence. 

" Tuesday, 21st. — Supped with one of the Edel- 
heeren ; every thing in superb style ; same company 
as before ; the governor there ; he does not honor 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. IT 

them more than once a year with his visits. Twenty 
ladies at table ; their dress, manner, style of putting 
up the hair; sitting by themselves; toasts, huzzas, 
bouquets, rose-water ; superfluity of every thing which 
Europe and the Indies can give. 
" Gained permission to sell." 

This restriction on sales by foreigners has been 
removed since that time, and it is not necessary to 
wait for any such permission now. But at that time 
the United States of America were little known or 
regarded in that distant part of the world; and it is 
easy to see that the final success which the young 
merchant thus attained with the despotic authorities 
of Batavia, who had pointedly and formally refused 
his application in the outset, is fairly attributable to 
personal qualities which distinguished him even at 
that early period, and were characteristic through 
life. Few men could exert a greater influence over 
others with whom he had an important point to 
carry. 

His notes on various subjects, in the same diary, 
show careful and general observation : — 

" It is death to take spices ; and an acknowledg- 
ment of having received notice of this is required, so 
that one cannot plead ignorance. The Chinese racked 
on the wheel for running spices ; yet any of them will 
do it, bringing them to one's chamber in small quanti- 
ties of twenty or thirty pounds. The Chinese are the 
principal husbandmen. All the Eastern nations are 

3 



18 MEMOIR OF 

represented here in greater or less numbers, — Arme- 
nians, Moormen, &c. Murders frequent ; Malays re- 
vengeful and cowardly, taking every advantage of 
situation, fearing to attack a man openly, and even 
afraid to hold a pistol. Gates of the city ; strict 
regulations respecting the going out and coming in at 
them ; four gates ; walled all round ; kept in good 
repair. Regularity of the trees. Chinese live in the 
suburbs, and obliged to be out of the walls before 
night. 

" Every night, at a quarter-past ten o'clock, these 
gates are shut, and opened again at about four in the 
morning, when the Chinamen enter in great numbers 
with their greens, &c., to procure a good place in the 
market. An Edelheer — of whom I shall speak here- 
after — has the exclusive privilege of passing and re- 
passing these gates at what hour of the twenty-four he 
pleases ; and the governor-general, who entertains com- 
pany every Sunday night, sends orders to the officers 
on guard to have the gates kept open until eleven, for 
the accommodation of his company. 

" There are particular gates at which you pass out 
in a carriage, and others appointed for entering the 
city, to avoid the frequent encounters which must 
necessarily arise were there no regulation of this 
kind. An Edelheer has, however, the privilege to 
pass at whichever he pleases ; and his approach is 
announced by the sentinels at the gates, in order to 
stop other carriages from attempting the passage at 
the time. 

" The houses, in general, at Batavia are of brick, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 19 

with a degree of neatness about them, but nothing of 
elegance. They all have very large glass windows, 
copied from the mode in Holland ; though it is said 
the use of large windows in that country was intended 
to produce an effect that seems not to be necessary in 
this place, — which is, to admit the rays of the sun. 
Whatever the effect is, 'tis certain that their houses 
in front, almost without exception, are nearly half 
glass. The rooms are very high, and are spacious 
and well furnished. They have, in general, good yard 
room, and many good gardens behind their houses. 

" The streets are wide ; and on each side of the 
canal, which runs through each of them, are two rows 
of sycamore-trees, which have a continual verdure, are 
regularly planted, and are very much of a size. These 
trees give a beautiful appearance to the city, and afford 
an agreeable shade to those who are obliged to walk 
in the middle of the day. These canals communicate 
with the river Jacatra, which has nothing different 
from them in appearance ; but has deeper water, runs 
from a great distance in the country, and empties into 
the sea. They are of great convenience for transport- 
ing goods, which may be brought in prows to within 
forty feet of any house in the city. The streets, which 
are not paved, are throughout the city sprinkled, 
morning and evening, with water from the canals. 
This is done often by private slaves ; but, when they 
neglect to do it, it is done by the company's slaves, 
who traverse the city morning and evening, chained 
two and two, for this purpose. Uj)on first observing 
the plan of wetting the streets, I thought it a great 



20 MEMOIR OF 

convenience, which in fact it is; but it took away 
the pleasure of it when I saw at what an expense of 
human feelings it is effected. 

" Procured two birds of paradise ; the bird a native 
of the Moluccas or Spice Islands ; valuable at Bengal, 
and on the peninsula of India. 

" Birds' nests at Batavia at two thousand five hun- 
dred paper dollars the pecul. The birds that make 
these nests are shaped like the swallow, and fly with 
the same velocity, but are smaller. We saw numbers 
of them while at Mew Island, but did not know them 
to be the same at the time. The coast of Sumatra 
gives the greatest supply of them, called the Salig- 
nare, and found in great numbers in the Philippines. 
They always lay in the same nest, unless it be de- 
stroyed, and will keep continually rebuilding when 
their nests are taken away. Late method of insuring 
good nests, by destroying all the old ones. The nests 
are formed of a glutinous substance found in the 
water. They are about the size of the inside of a 
swallow's nest, and some of them almost transparent. 
The soup made of them is very palatable ; but, as it 
is dear, it is not often met with. The old nests are 
of a black cast, and not near so valuable as the white. 
There are three layers or thicknesses in the nests, 
which, when separated, appear like three distinct 
nests : the first or outside layer brings the least price, 
increasing to the inside, which bears the amazing 
price above quoted. 

" The shark-fins are also esteemed a great delicacy 
for soups, and are to many very palatable ; but to me 
they were not so. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 21 

" There are at Batavia nine persons who bear the 
title of Edelheer, — that being a title of nobility 
which they have assumed to themselves. Among 
these nine persons are included the governor-general, 
who is the president of the Grand Council of the 
Indies, the other seven councillors, and the director- 
general of the company, whose post is second in the 
settlement. The old director also, who, being far 
advanced in years, resigned, holds this dignity of 
Edelheer, and has the same attention paid to him 
that the inhabitants are obliged to pay to the rest of 
them. Obeisance is exacted from all persons, with- 
out distinction, in one form which has much dis- 
turbed the feelings of some strangers who were not 
used to acknowledge themselves the inferiors of any 
one, and felt much galled at not being able to help 
themselves. It is this : The carriage of an Edelheer 
is, when in the city or on meeting any carriage of 
distinction, preceded by two running footmen, who 
carry each a baton or cane, with a brass head resem- 
bling the weight used with a pair of steelyards, and 
of an extraordinary size. This announces the car- 
riage which follows to be that of an Edelheer ; when 
the other carriage must drive up on one side the way, 
and there wait until his greatness has passed. They 
are very civil in returning one as low a bow as is 
given them. When no carriage of distinction is on 
the road, and the Edelheer's carriage is without the 
suburbs, it is kno\^Ti by those canes before spoken of 
being projected from the back part of the carriage in 
such a manner that they cannot but be seen. There 



"ZZ MEMOIR OF 

is a heavy fine exacted for passing the carriage of an 
Edelheer without stopping. 

" Some time since, there was an East India Com- 
pany's ship at Batavia, the captain of which, think- 
ing this a very great indignity offered him, upon his 
coachman's attempting to stop his horses, ordered 
him by signs to go on ; which order not being com- 
plied with on the part of the former, the captain gave 
him a very severe prick with his sword. This made 
some noise at the time, but was overlooked. I think 
it did no great honor to the good sense of the cap- 
tain, who must have been aware that the poor devil 
who drove him knew that passing the Edelheer would 
be attended with disagreeable consequences to him- 
self; which shoul-d have alone been sufficient to have 
prevented the captain from wishing it. 

" The captain of a French frigate who was here fell 
upon a much more eligible plan, and one which suc- 
ceeded to admiration. On being informed that his 
coachman would stop on meeting one of the Edel- 
heeren, he determined on endeavoring to overcome by 
civility what he had no hopes of averting by any 
other means. He had directions for distinguishing 
the carriage of an Edelheer ; and, as soon as he saw 
one, prepared himself for descending from his car- 
riage. As soon as his coachman checked his horses, 
he alighted from his coach, and made his respects to 
the Edelheer, who could do no less than dismount 
from his upon seeing a person of the appearance of 
the captain thus paying him his respects ; and, after 
many ceremonious bows and testimonies of civility, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 23 

they again resumed their seats in their several car- 
riages. This piece of outstretched politeness was 
found to be the cause of some trouble to the gentle- 
men Edelheeren during the captain's stay here ; which 
induced them to send an order to the hotel, giving 
leave to the coachman of the French captain to drive 
on without stopping for any one of the council, or 
indeed of the Edelheeren. 

" In private companies, the greatest attention and 
studied politeness is shown them; and they always, 
when at table, sit opposite the master of the house, 
who divides the table lengthwise, and does not, like 
the host with us, take his seat at the end. They 
have a privilege of passing in and out of the several 
gates of the city at any time in the day; which is 
what no other person can do, as there are particular 
hours for passing and repassing the different gates." 

These dignitaries, and the troublesome ceremonies 
attendant on their rank, are no longer known. 

" There is at Batavia a great medley of inhabi- 
tants. The principal persons in business, after the 
Hollanders, are the Moormen. Many of them are 
very rich. They are distinguished b/ a peculiarity 
of dress, and a turban on the head. They wear 
square-toed shoes, which turn up and terminate at 
each corner in a kind of ear, which has a curious 
appearance. They are rather slippers than shoes, 
having no quarter or straps to them. In some re- 
spects, these people exceed any set of men whom I 



24 MEMOIR OF 

saw while at Batavia : they have an ease of address 
and an air of good breeding which one would not ex- 
pect to find in their countrymen. In their houses 
they are courteous, and strive to make one's time 
agreeable while under their roofs. They are the best 
shaped of any of the Eastern nations whom I ob- 
served while there ; their complexion nearly the same 
as that of the aboriginals of America ; their features 
regular and well-set, with the most piercing eye of 
any people I ever saw. Their religion is Mahome- 
tanism. They carry on a great trade to the difierent 
islands in the Indian seas, and by their traffic make 
great fortunes. Their mode of saluting is by passing 
the right hand, with a slow motion, to the forehead, 
and at the same time bowing the head with a most 
graceful ease. They are, with the Chinese, the great 
money-changers. They are as remarkably quick in 
casting and making calculations, without any assist- 
ance, as the Chinese are with their counters. Some 
of these people support as decent carriages as any in 
the place, and live with a great degree of taste. 

" They all chew betel, areka-nut, and chunam. 
This has the effect of rendering the teeth black and 
shining like ebony. They esteem it healthful, as it 
causes expectoration in a greater degree than tobacco. 
This, they aver, is absolutely necessary in their coun- 
try. It is, however, a filthy, vile practice in our eyes, 
excusable in some degree in the men, but in the women 
truly disgusting. I never saw any European gentle- 
men use the betel ; but many of the European women 
have adopted the habit of chewing it, and have their 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 25 

mouths crowded with it. The private secretary of 
the council, one of the most genteel men at Batavia, 
told me of his great aversion to the use of it in 
women ; and observed, that his wife had so great an 
attachment to it, that all his powers of persuasion 
were not sufficient to wean her from it. She was 
quite young, — not more than nineteen or twenty at 
the extent. There is a child, of seven or eight years 
of age, always in attendance on those who chew the 
betel, which is deposited in a box, in some instances 
of very curious workmanship. This child is the 
bearer of the box, and ever waiting the wishes of 
the person so attended. 

"All the people in this place seem very fond of 
being surrounded by domestics. One seldom sees a 
coach pass, particularly if there are women in it, 
without five or six slaves, — some carrying the ba- 
tons, others the umbrellas, &c., the slaves being gene- 
rally Malays ; though there are some from all the 
inhabited islands in the India and China seas. 

" The love of gaming shows itself in no place 
where I have ever been so strongly as here. It is, 
however, confined to the natives and other colored 
people ; for, among the Europeans, they, for the most 
part, have a fixed bet, which is not large, and beyond 
which they do not go. But with the lower people it 
is the origin of almost all their quarrels, and fre- 
quently terminates in death. You will see, in what- 
ever part of the town you visit, circles of those 
gamblers seated on the ground, and great numbers 
of spectators, who all seem to be deeply interested 



26 MEMOIR OF 

in the business, if we may judge from the smile of 
success which brightens up their countenances, and 
the look which, perhaps the moment after, bespeaks 
ill-luck. There are great numbers of houses, for the 
most part kept by Chinese, which are open as gam- 
bling-houses, and when passing which you continu- 
ally hear the jingling of money, and the confused 
sound of many voices. They have a large table, like 
a tailor's shopboard, on which they sit in a circle and 
play their game. Even in private families, you will 
always see parties of slaves seated in some part of 
the house at this diversion ; and, in short, this vice is 
the prevailing one, from the oldest to the youngest. 

" The Malays are great cock-fighters, and have as 
fine birds as perhaps any in the world. They bet 
more deeply, and involve themselves more, in this 
barbarous custom, than in any other species of gam- 
bling; and there have been instances of their carry- 
ing it to as unpardonable a length as the Chinese 
do in playing away the liberty of their wives and 
children, and even of enslaving themselves ; which 
last, however, is more excusable than to take that 
liberty with their connections. 

"There are, in some of the Dutch settlements, 
Malay governors and chiefs ; and many of their wo- 
men are married to Europeans. The language of the 
Malays is the most known of any language in the 
several islands, and indeed may be called among 
the islands of the East what the French language 
is acknowledged to be throughout Europe. It is 
agreeable to the ear, and said to be the most musical 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 27 

and soft of any of the Eastern languages. It is very 
easily learned and spoken by every European who has 
been any time in the country. 

" In most countries, the servant has to learn the 
language of the person in whose service he is : but 
here that custom is reversed ; for there is not one in 
a hundred of the slaves who understands Dutch, nor 
one-quarter of that proportion who speak it ; whereas 
every Dutchman and every member of his family 
speaks the Malayan language. Indeed, it is the first 
language the children here learn; as they get the 
dialect from their nurses, who are Malayan women, 
before that of their parents. Every child, when 
ushered into the world, has one of these nurses ap- 
pointed to it, which is given to the child as its pro- 
perty, and generally serves it till their general master 
separates them. 

" This language is used by the Chinese, who all 
speak it, as well as by the other Indian inhabitants 
of this place, who, for the most part, do not speak 
Dutch ; so that it is absolutely necessary that they 
should know it. 

" There are these advantages arising from the Ma- 
lays not knowing the language of the Dutch, — that 
the latter are obliged to learn theirs, and that the con- 
versation which is passmg while they are in waiting is 
not liable to be carried out of the company by them. 
The Malays, without an exception that I was ever ac- 
quainted with, chew betel, and in greater quantities 
than the other Asiatics. 

" The slaves, for the most part, have only a piece 



28 MEMOIR OF 

of linen cloth over those parts for which modesty 
demands covering. There are some, however, who 
have long pieces of this cloth thrown over the right 
shoulder, and hanging down under the left arm almost 
to the ground. I could never see the use of this ad- 
ditional garment, as it only hid a part of the breast 
and the middle part of the back, and was always laid 
aside when they were engaged in work. There are 
others, who are body-servants, who have a kind of 
frock, or long skirt, buttoning round the neck with 
brass buttons, and hanging loose to the ankles. The 
Malayan women, in lieu of the petticoat, have a piece 
of cloth long enough to go twice round them, and 
made of a width sufficient to reach from above the 
hips to the ground ; and, to cover the upper part of 
the body, they have a short white gown, which comes 
straight down to the hips, and has long sleeves, which 
set close, and show the form very distinctly. They 
seldom wear shoes, and, I believe, never stockings. 
They dress their hair, which is long and coal-black, 
with a most refined degree of taste and neatness. It 
is combed all to the back of the head, and, after being 
twisted, is fastened in a circular form on the back of 
the head with long pins. The juice of the cocoanut- 
tree, which is used in lieu of pomatum, gives it a 
gloss like japanned ware, and makes it appear very 
agreeably. 

"Both whites and colored men and women pay 
great attention to the cleanliness of their persons. 
The white ladies ride a few miles out of town to their 
country-seats, past each of which runs a canal, with 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 29 

convenient steps made for descending to the water, 
where they strip themselves, except of a piece of 
cloth worn as the Malays do their common dresses, 
and a long piece of muslin thrown over the shoulders, 
and bathe, exposed to the eyes of every passer-by. 
They seem to have got quite reconciled to being thus 
exposed, as a stranger passing does not seem to dis- 
turb them in the smallest degree. The men who 
labor, being in general the colored people, and par- 
ticularly the Chinese, towards dark strip themselves 
of their clothes, except a small piece of cloth round 
the waist, and go into the canals, which, in the town, 
are the receptacles for every kind of filth. They 
nevertheless dive under water, and sport as if in a 
clear river. The women also keep their piece of 
cloth, which encloses the lower part of the body, 
over them, and leave the parts above the waist en- 
tirely uncovered. They so early accustom their chil- 
dren to bathing, that they become in a degree 
amphibious, and appear to be as much in their ele- 
ment when in the water as when on land. Although 
the Chinese are the principal cultivators of the earth, 
the Malays bear some part in the burden. The for- 
mer are, however, esteemed the best gardeners, and as 
the most industrious by far. 

" I saw a Malay make use of an instrument for 
shooting birds, which it appeared to me impossible 
could carry with it the execution that in fact it does. 
It is a hollow trunk, about the thickness of our 
largest walking-sticks near the head. The hollow 
appeared to be natural. It was about five feet ten 



30 MEMOIR OF 

inches long ; which I know by comparing it with my 
height. The hollow was about large enough to admit 
the middle finger, and had a brass ring round the end, 
— I suppose to keep it from splitting. This is di- 
rected towards the object against which you mean to 
do execution ; and through it is blown, from the 
mouth of the sportsman, a piece of clay, formed 
round by the finger. This is shot with such force, 
and with so much exactitude, by many of the Malays 
and natives, as seldom to fail of doing execution. 
When I first saw this mode of shooting, I concluded 
that this piece of clay would not do more than stun 
the bird which it should chance to strike, and ac- 
counted in this way for the taking the immense num- 
bers of birds which are daily exposed alive for sale in 
the market ; but was assured, upon inquiry, that in- 
stant death was the consequence of the balls striking 
the bird. They are killed in this way from the tops 
of the highest cocoanut-trees ; and from this we see 
that the rude state of the people produced some im- 
plements which they have found reason to continue 
since they are more cultivated. 

" Many of the natives have their finger nails tinged 
with a vermilion color. They keep them in very 
good order ; and this color gives them a very pretty 
appearance. They, in some instances, have adopted 
the custom of the Chinese, in letting the nail of one 
of their fingers grow to a great length, and, indeed, 
never cutting it, to show they are not used to labor. 
There are great numbers of the Malays and other 
colored people here who are clerks to private gentle- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 31 

men, and many others who are differently employed 
by the company. They have the most unlimited con- 
fidence reposed in them in many instances, and show 
in not a few that they are not unworthy of it. 

" The Malays, in a peculiar degree, are fond of 
music, and have a great taste and good judgment in 
performing. All the first people have bands of their 
own, who perform, as I was capable of judging, very 
well. Their instruments — or, at least, those which 
they use in the concerts above mentioned — are Euro- 
pean, and the same as are usually played upon in 
the more western regions. Those bands which are 
brought to some degree of perfection, when sold 
bring a large price; but without any particular re- 
commendation, and as they are taken from the vessels 
which import them, they are sold for about one hun- 
dred paper-dollars a head. I was astonished at the 
low price they bore in comparison to the Guinea 
slaves in America and the colonies; but it is to be 
accounted for from their being in less demand, and in 
greater numbers to be disposed of. 

" The temper of the Malays is in a great degree 
vindictive, — never forgetting an injury done them, 
let what time will transpire between receiving the 
injury and having an opportunity to revenge it. Of 
the truth of this, there were, while I was at Batavia, 
many melancholy proofs. This revengeful temper of 
the Malays is more to be feared from its being so 
carefully hid by the person who harbors it. They 
do not appear to have treasured up the remembrances 
of an aff'ront ; and, when least suspected, take some 



32 MEMOIR OF 

means to deprive of life the person who has, or who 
they imagine has, done them ill. They are great 
cowards ; though, in my opinion, made so by their 
state of servitude and entire submission to the wills 
of their masters. They always time their murders 
so well, that they are very seldom detected. They 
take the night for carrying their designs into execu- 
tion ; and the street is generally the place where it is 
effected. They use their long knives to such purpose 
when they set about it, that the unhappy victim of 
their malice or revenge is in an instant put beyond 
the power of calling aid, and thrown into the canals, 
where he is found in the morning, but without the 
most distant expectation of detecting the murderer. 
There is scarcely ever an instance of two being con- 
cerned in a single murder, so distrustful are they of 
each other. 

" A few weeks previous to my arrival, there was a 
murder committed upon a person who was beloved 
and respected by almost everybody. He was an ec- 
clesiastic, but had retired to the country, having 
exerted his good talent to the satisfaction of every 
one; and there was little doubt but that he would 
receive the rewards of a good and faithful servant, 
and have another talent added to his store. This 
universally acknowledged good man was shot dead 
while sitting at the door of his own house, in the 
evening, by whom, or for what reason, could never be 
found out ; but it was supposed to be one of his own 
servants ; though why or wherefore I never heard 
conjectured. Jealousy is not a passion that has taken 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 33 

great root with these people. However, when they 
have reason to feel this most dangerous of the passions 
which disturb the human breast, it affects them in a 
very high degree ; and death with aggravations is the 
consequence of infidelity. 

" When well used, the Malays are grateful, and 
would go great lengths to save their benefactor. 
Though they are great thieves, and must be very 
sharply watched, yet their thefts are never extended, 
or but very seldom, to house-breaking. They will 
pilfer every thing which comes in their way when 
there is little fear of detection ; and, by their address, 
will steal from you before your eyes. Instances of 
this kind frequently occur in unlading prows ; and 
when there is any thing that will sink, such as iron, 
steel, &c., they, with great dexterity, let a part fall 
into the water. 

" Batavia, which is the warehouse of the Dutch 
East India Company, and the most important by far 
of all their possessions round the Cape of Good Hope, 
is raised on the ruins of the ancient city of Jacatra, 
where the English had a settlement, and from which 
they were ousted by the Dutch in 1617. It is about 
fifty leagues from the entrance of the Straits of Sunda, 
and about twelve leagues from Bantam. It has a fine 
harbor, which is well defended from the winds by the 
many small islands which surround it. It has good 
anchorage, and could accommodate seven or eight 
hundred sail of shipping. The latitude of Batavia is 
6° south, and about 106° east longitude. The Dutch, 
after wresting this place from its proper owners. 



34 MEMOIR OF 

made many improvements in it. It is at this time well 
guarded by a stone wall, which is well built, and about 
twelve feet high. Without it is a canal, which quite 
encompasses it, and has several drawbridges over it, 
which are occasionally drawn up. On it are several 
watch-towers, where are continually soldiers kept on 
sentry. It has four gates, one to each bridge, which 
are all well secured and guarded, each gate having a 
guard-house adjoining it, which has a considerable 
number of soldiers in it. These walls are well stored 
with guns and the necessary appendages, which are 
always kept in order in case of necessity. They are 
very ornamental, — being well painted of a stone 
color on the outside, and being well built in a manner 
that does honor to the artificers who executed them. 
The bastions are so laid out, that they would be ser- 
viceable as well against an insurrection as an invasion. 
The one or the other they would have great reason to 
fear, had either the Chinese, who were inhumanly cut 
oif here, or the original inhabitants, who have always 
been imder the lash of the present possessors, courage 
enough to retaliate; but, fortunately for the Dutch, 
they have a people to deal with, in the Chinese, who 
do not appear to have the passions which govern men 
in general. They appear here to have no resentment in 
their composition. They have a placid countenance, 
which is very seldom seen to be acted upon by any of 
the passions. If they are vexed at what you say, they 
never will give you the advantage of them by flying into 
a passion of anger. If they are pleased in the strik- 
ing a bargain, you will never know it from their 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 35 

looks, perhaps for fear the other party should suppose 
he has the advantage ; so that, whatever thwarts them, 
they are on their guard : whether pleased or disgusted, 
merry or sad, you are not the wiser, such is the com- 
mand they have of themselves. If any thing can 
raise their muscles into a smile, it is the seeing an 
Englishman throw himself into a passion on a trifling 
occasion. They will compose themselves, and remain 
seated until his anger has evaporated, and then inquire 
the reason of it, however apparent it may have been. 
You seldom see them laugh. 'Tis true, they smile ; 
but it appears to be more out of complaisance to you 
than from a natural impulse. It is certain the softer 
passions are not so visible in them as with us. 
They have no fellow-feeling at the sufferings of those 
around them in distress ; they pass by without a look, 
or even a thought, — if I may judge from appear- 
ances, — on the situation of those who are exposed to 
the arrows of misfortune ; and view without a change 
of countenance objects of distress which would call 
forth the tear of sympathy from every eye that had a 
tear to shed. 

" The Chinese, in general, will tell you, with all the 
seeming indifference in nature, of the loss of a wife, 
parent, or child ; and although they make a parade 
of grief at their funerals, yet no sooner is the cere- 
mony at an end than the brow which but a moment 
before appeared to be overwhelmed with grief now 
wears a placid appearance, and has not upon it the 
most distant trace of sorrow. 

" I saw, while at Batavia, two of these interments ; 



36 MEMOIR OF 

or rather I saw the procession pass of one, and the 
return of another. In the first, the corpse was borne 
by a number of coolies, or porters, the coffin covered 
with a white pall : then followed a number of women, 
with hoods covering their heads, and in white from 
the head to the very shoes, who by their walk one 
would suppose had been taking too freely of their 
favorite betel, and had felt the effects of it in their 
heads. But this was only the show of grief; and I 
afterwards found out they were hired mourners. They 
were on each side supported by other females, who 
appeared with difficulty to uphold them. Those were 
followed by the near and dear relatives of the deceased ; 
but in their countenances was no mark of grief; and 
they looked on this and the other side of them with 
all the indifference possible. Such is the effect of 
education. Their wives they treat with very little 
attention : nor, indeed, does any thing seem to be 
their object or pursuit but wealth ; to obtain which 
they stop at nothing, however low and despicable. 
There are said to be forty thousand Chinese in Batavia 
and its vicinity. They are governed by their own 
officers, but are all restricted to the general outlines of 
the Dutch policy. Many of them are immensely rich, 
and enter very largely into trade; have stores in town, 
and elegant country-seats without the gates. They 
parade about in their carriages with a great degree of 
state, and seem to feel their consequence. The num- 
bers of Chinese are daily increasing at this place: 
every junk which comes brings more or less^^ most of 
whom they smuggle into the city, as they have a duty 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 37 

to pay on all regularly imported, — the number of 
them to be imported annually is prescribed, — and 
have a rix-doUar to pay per month for having the 
privilege of wearing the hair after the manner of their 
own countrymen ; so that, what was first adopted 
against their own wills, they have now to pay for the 
privilege of enjoying. "Why more of the Chinese 
leave their country one year than another is, that, 
while they can find wherewith to exist in their na- 
tive country, they choose to tarry there ; but, when 
famine stares them in the face, -^ which is the case 
in a greater or less degree almost every year, — they 
fly to this place, in hopes of finding better fare than 
their own country ofiers them. They wear the same 
dress as at Canton, and live in the same retired way. 
They are the principal mechanics, and the best hus- 
bandmen. Their merchants deal for the largest and 
the most trifling article ; for the same man who will 
sell you to the amount of flfty thousand dollars will 
bring you a pot of sweetmeats which cost a couple of 
ducatoons ; and there are no risks they will not run 
for this darlmg treasure. A Chinese, if detected in 
vending one pound of spices, is racked on the wheel ; 
and yet there is scarce one of them who will not bring 
them to one's chamber after a short acquaintance. 
Great care, however, is to be used in purchasing 
from them ; for they are in some instances employed 
as spies upon the conduct of strangers by the Dutch 
Company; and in others they will deceive you in 
whatever they sell, if they find you are a green hand ; 
so that it is necessary to have one's eye well about one 



»S8 MEMOIR OF 

to deal with these people, the character of whom is to 
me unfathomable. 

" The Chinese are industrious to a very great de- 
gree. They farm the customs and the fishery which 
supplies the town. The former they make serve very 
valuable purposes to them, as they can wink at such 
things as will befriend their countrymen and are pro- 
hibited ; and the latter, though apparently of no great 
importance, is of very great consequence. 

" Although there is the greatest abundance of fish 
at this place of any I was ever at, yet not one is lost ; 
for they are all brought to market alive, — which is 
the only state the inhabitants buy them in ; and what 
are not sold while alive are pickled and saved against 
the rainy season, when fish of all kinds are very 
scarce, and the dried are in very great request. 

"As the Dutch are ever seeking to turn to their 
own advantage the whims of every one who is under 
their government, they have not omitted taking the 
advantage of the Chinese in their mode of burials. 
As every man wdio dies among the Chinese must have 
a separate burial-place, and must have his ashes left 
undisturbed, he has to pay well for it. Their burial- 
places take up miles in extent. Some of the tombs are 
very richly decorated, and must have been expensive. 
Where a great man is buried, the ground is thrown up, 
in the form of a small hillock, to the height of ten or 
twelve feet; and at one side of it is the tombstone, 
with a large flat piece of marble-work placed at the 
entrance, below the stone which marks who lies with- 
in. For these spots are exacted very large sums ; and, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PEUKINS. 39 

as the numbers dying from seventy thousand cannot 
be inconsiderable, the income this produces is great. 

" It is with the Chinese to raise the exchange of the 
paper currency or lower it as they please ; they being 
great money-holders, and the greatest speculators in 
the place. The principal place of their abode is one 
called the Chinese Camp, without the walls of the 
city. The Chinese who are here pretty generally use 
betel, and, without an exception, have always tea 
ready made on a stand in their houses and shops. In 
whichever you go, you have a cup of it presented to 
you ; which was very seldom refused by me, and which 
I found to be afterwards the general custom of the 
place. 

" The Chinese are very cleanly in their persons. 
They bathe in the rivers often, and are, in a great 
degree, nice in their dress, which is the best adapted 
to the heat of the climate of any worn in this place. 
The trading men, in general, are dressed in straw- 
colored Persian. Their outer garment is a kind of 
frock, which hangs loosely over the shoulders, and 
extends as far down as the knees : it has buttons at 
the neck, and loopholes, by which they can, and for 
the most part do, fasten it. The sleeves are so loose 
as to go twice round the arm, if forced to, and reach 
down below the fingers' ends. I could not help — 
after being a little acquainted w ith them — assigning 
a bad motive for the construction of these sleeves. 
Besides this, they have a pair of loose trousers made 
of the same silk, which reach the ankles, and must 
be very cool and agreeable. They wear the Chinese 



40 MEMOIR OF 

shoe, which is chimsy and ill contrived. They are 
made of black satin, or rather covered with that silk, 
except when they are in mourning, when they wear 
white shoes, as well as every thing else of that color, 
— black being rather a rejoicing than a mourning 
dress. They wear on the head a little kind of skull- 
cap, about the bigness of a quart bowl, though not 
one-third its depth. This they take off, in the same 
manner as we do our hats, when they meet a person 
to whom they pay their respects ; and they also give 
the hand in the same manner as practised with us. 
The Vearing the hair as they do is what gives the most 
singular appearance. They shave the heads of their 
children as soon as any hair is visible, leaving only a 
round patch on a part of the back side of the head. 
The hair growing on this spot they take every pains 
in forwarding, and delight in having this favorite lock 
as long as possible. They plait it ; and, when it is 
not naturally long, they blend in with it a kind of 
black silk, which resembles very much the hair, to 
give it what nature has denied. This lock is left 
hanging down the back, and, in some of them, reaches 
near the ground. When they are occupied with any 
thing wherein the hair interferes, it is wound round 
the head, and the end tucked under the thicker part, 
which keeps it from falling. They shave, for the 
most part, every day ; and there is no part of the face, 
nor indeed any part above the middle of the neck, 
over which the razor is not passed. For the inside of 
the nose and indented parts of the ears, they have a 
narrow razor made for the purpose. The operation 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 41 

of champooing I never saw performed ; though I am 
informed it is practised here as at Canton. 

" The junks which come from China to this place 
always leave it by the 15 th of July, and arrive in Ja- 
nuary. They are, to appearance, miserable things, and 
must stand a poor chance in a typhoon, — which is a 
heavy gale of wind, like the hurricanes in the West 
Indies, though said to be more violent. More or less 
of the junks are missing every year ; and there is no 
doubt they are foundered in those heavy storms. 

" The Chinese have a free trade to Batavia, where 
they bring tea, china, japanned wares, nankins, silks, 
&c., and take, in return, Spanish dollars and ducatoons, 
though the former are preferred. Spices, birds'-nests, 
pepper, tin, sugars, coffee, candy, beeswax, oil, hides, 
burning-canes, ratans, sandal-wood, and, when there 
is a probability of scarcity in China, rice, which will 
always pay a good freight, are exported. 

" There is an old law which forbids the Javans from 
being made slaves ; but they are in service, more or 
less of them, in almost every house. There are many 
sepoys in the service of the company as soldiers. 
They are stout, well-set men, in general about five feet 
eight inches high, and well proportioned, and their 
skins are almost as black as those of the inhabitants of 
the coast of Guinea. Their hair is black, and tied be- 
hind, though, in general, inclined to be curly. They 
have a sharp eye and fierce countenances, and are said 
to be fine soldiers. Their dress is a short, blue coat, 
made of thin cloth, with red lappels, and a waistcoat 
of the same, with a coarse shirt. Their breeches are 

6 



42 MEMOIR OF 

made tight, buttoned over the hips, and do not come 
more than one-third the way down the thigh, to which 
they set as close as the skin itself. They have a sort 
of half-gaiter and shoes, and are more particularly 
employed as marines on board the spice-ships." 

He proceeded to Canton for a cargo of teas. While 
he was there, a vessel arrived whose name has since 
become one of historical interest, — the " Columbia ; " 
the ship which, in her next voyage, under the com- 
mand of Capt. Gray, crossed the bar of the Columbia 
River, as it was always called afterwards, — the inci- 
dent being referred to in recent negotiations of intense 
interest, as the foundation of a territorial claim on the 
part of the United States. Remaining several months 
in China, and attending assiduously to the business of 
the ship, he became well acquainted with the habits 
of the Chinese, and collected a fund of information 
concerning trade there in all its branches, and the 
value of sea-otter skins and other furs from the north- 
west coast of our continent, which formed the basis 
of action for him afterwards in planning numerous 
voyages and directing mercantile operations of great 
importance between America, Asia, and Europe. He 
was long remembered there too, particularly by one 
occupying a subordinate position at the time, who 
had observed him, though not known to him personal- 
ly, and who afterwards became eminently distinguished 
in the commerce of the East, — the well-known Hong 
merchant, Houqua. Commercial relations of an inti- 
mate character and entii*e confidence were afterwards 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 43 

established between them, and existed for many years 
with mutual advantaofe. 

Returning homeward, he found that the period of 
his absence had been eventful in changes that were to 
have important influence in the political and commer- 
cial world. They received news of the revolutionary 
movements in France from a vessel which they spoke 
in crossing the trade-winds. On arriving at Boston, 
they found our government organized under the new 
constitution of 1789 ; and though this led to heavy 
duties, particularly on teas, it was giving confidence 
and stability to trade. With the information which 
he had brought home, he sent a brig — the " Hope," 
Capt. Ingraham — to the north-west coast, with the 
intention of terminating the voyage at Canton. The 
most important result of this voyage appears to have 
been the discovery of the northern portion of the 
Marquesas Islands, as now laid down on the map of 
the Pacific. Its main object was defeated by un- 
toward circumstances. 

He soon afterwards joined his friend Capt. Magee, 
however, in building a ship, — the " Margaret," — of 
which the captain went master for the north-west 
coast, and, after an absence of two years and a half, 
brought the voyage to a successful close. Capt. 
Magee carried out the frame of a vessel, with three or 
four carpenters, and set up the little craft of about 
thirty tons under Capt. Swift, then the chief carpen- 
ter ; and the schooner collected some twelve or fifteen 
hundred sea-otters during the season, which added 
much to the profit of the voyage, as the skins were 



44 MEMOIR OF 

worth thirty or forty dollars when Capt. Magee reached 
China. 

In 1792, the insurrection began in St. Domingo, 
where his brothers had continued their establishment, 
doing a prosperous business up to that period. Mr. 
James Perkins, the eldest brother, and his wife, were 
in a perilous situation at the beginning of it, being in 
the interior on a visit to a friend who had a plantation, 
next to the one first destroyed, on the plains of the cape. 
They made their escape, however, from the frightful 
treatment which awaited all who lingered, and reached 
the cape. But things grew worse. The place was 
taken by the insurgents, and burned ; and the inhabi- 
tants were obliged to get away in the best manner 
they could. This, of course, broke up his brothers' 
establishment. Their store was burned by the blacks, 
with its contents, which were valuable. This, how- 
ever, was not the worst ; as the planters were largely 
in debt to the house, and their means of paying 
destroyed. The brothers (James and Samuel G.) 
returned to Boston, having lost most of their property, 
to begin the world anew. He then formed a copart- 
nership, under the firm of J. and T. H. Perkins, with 
his brother James, which continued until the death 
of the latter in 1822, though the name of the firm 
was altered on the admission of their sons in 1819. 
They used the information which had been acquired 
at St. Domingo with advantage, by keeping two or 
three vessels trading to the West Indies, and shipping 
coffee and sugar to Europe. 

But their most important business was the trade of 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 45 

their ships on the north-west coast and in China. 
They were concerned in numerous voyages in that 
direction ; and eventually established a house at Can- 
ton, under the firm of Perkins and Co., which became 
one of great importance, and eminently successful. 

In December, 1794, he took passage for Bourdeaux 
in a ship belonging to his own house and that of 
Messrs. S. Higginson and Co., in which firm his brother, 
Mr. S. G. Perkins, had become a partner, with a cargo 
of provisions ; the demand for them in the disturbed 
state of French affkirs offering the prospect of a fair 
result to such a voyage. But the depreciation of the 
assignats, and other causes, threatening to defeat their 
hopes, he found it best to continue abroad for some 
time. 

His voyage to France was long, with boisterous 
weather, and some narrow escapes, as appears by the 
following extracts from the journal which he kept 
at the time : — 

" Dec. 14, 1794. Sunday. — This day, at nine 
o'clock, got under way in the ship ' Charlotte,' with 
the wind at north-west, blowing a fresh breeze; and 
at half-past ten o'clock passed the light-house, and 
put the pilot (Knox) on shore : schooner ' Rambler ' 
in company. 

" 15th. — A delightful breeze still continues. 

" 16th. — Still pleasant weather. Fell in with a 
shoal of porpoises, and took a couple. Capt. Hill, 
in the ' Rambler,' left us this day, — we being too dull 
company for his fast-sailing schooner. 



46 MEMOIR OF 

" 21st. — We did not omit on Saturday p.m., pre- 
cisely at ten minutes before five, — which corresponds 
with four o'clock in Boston, — to remember the 
Saturday's club. 

"25th. — A brisk north-west wind; the sea more 
smooth since we took our leave of the Bank of New- 
foundland. It is supposed that the fogs, so frequent 
on and near this bank, are caused by the waters of 
the Gulf Stream, driven as they are from the warm 
climates of the West Indies to the cold generally 
prevalent here, which condenses the vapor as it rises ; 
just, it is said, ' as the vapor from a cup of tea is 
hardly discernible in a warm room, but becomes visi- 
ble in the cold air.' In observing the fog rise from 
the water this morning, I found that it continually 
issued directly to the leeward of the track of the 
ship, — which seems to prove the justice of the re- 
mark. The water is probably cooled on the surface 
in coming thus far eastward and northward ; yet the 
stirring up the column below exposes it to the cold 
air. And, to follow the simile of the tea, we may 
observe even when that is somewhat cooled, and no 
evaporation appears, yet, if it be stirred with the 
spoon, vapor rises on exposure to the cold air, from 
which it had been defended by the surface. 

"28th. — This day fortnight we parted from Boston, 
and this day at noon complete half our distance from 
the place of our departure to that of our destination. 
This is not doing bad. 

" 29th. — The number of rainbows we have seen 
alinost daily since we have passed the Banks of New- 



THOMAS HANDASYD TERKINS. 47 

foundland is surprising. It is not uncommon to see 
five or six in a day, the beauty of which surpasses 
any thing I have ever before seen. 

"31st. — The wind continues to the northward; and 
yet the weather is as warm as it generally is in Boston 
Bay in autumn. How kindly ordered is this by Him 
who orders and governs all things I Were the ocean, 
off soundings, as subject to snow and equal degrees of 
cold as the land, it would be impossible for vessels to 
cross it in the whiter months, on account of the ice 
which would make upon them, and cause them to 
founder inevitably. Besides this, the sailors, who are 
without fire altogether, and who are in blowing weather 
continually wet, would not be able to stand the decks, 
and must leave them, to find security against the 
cold. 

" This is the last day in the year, — a melancholy 
anniversary to my family. Our first-born child, Sally, 
died Dec. 31. 

" On the deck of this ship it is now too warm for 
pleasure at mid-day; and we have the windows, or 
rather sky-lights, — for the cabin windows have been 
closed by the dead-lights ever since we sailed, — open 
at this moment. 

" Jan. 9th. — 'Tis rather mortifying, to one who 
feels so anxious to get on shore as I do, to be rather 
worse off in point of situation than we were a week 
since; having lost as much in steering southward 
as we gained in steering northward. 

" The wind this morning blowing very fresh, and 
a prospect of a heavy gale. 



48 MEMOIR OF 

" 10th. — Cloudy and unpleasant, with rain. P.M. 
— Blowing very heavy, and a large sea running. At 
ten, A.M., the wind, after a rainy night, shifted to the 
southward, and promised us a quick passage to our 
port, which we are now panting after ; but, to our 
inexpressible mortification, it came out again at south- 
east, and continues to blow fresh. 

"15 th. — Well may inconstancy be compared to 
the winds. Our flattering prospects of a continuance 
of a favorable wind vanished when we had scarcely 
begun to enjoy it; and it has continued dii'ectly con- 
trary through this twenty-four hours. 

" 16th. — An obscure, rainy day, with a head wind, 
blowing fresh. At meridian, tacked ship to the 
northward. When one becomes a voluntary exile 
from society, and takes leave of those on whose 
smiles his happiness depends, he is very apt to ask 
himself questions, which can be answered with very 
little satisfaction, when it is too late. This is strik- 
ingly my case ; and, were it not unmanly to repine, 
I should feel quite a disposition to do so. 

" 18th. — At eight this morning, hove the ship to, 
to sound, but found no bottom. The occasion for 
sounding was the number of land-birds about us. A 
very beautiful crow was taken by the sailors ; and 
many more were about the ship. 

" 25th. Three o'clock, p.m. — Just as we were 
about to heave the ship to, — the gale continuing to 
increase, — a fleet of shi]3s were seen directly ahead. 
Nineteen sail were counted ; and they extended their 
line as if it were a large fleet. A heavy squall pass- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 49 

ing us just before dark, the ship was kept away be- 
fore the wind, to avoid falling in with any of these 
ships. This we flattered ourselves we had succeeded 
in, until about eight o'clock in the evening, when a 
light was discovered, which appeared like the false 
fire made use of by vessels of war for signals. We 
wore ship immediately, and continued to see the fires 
repeated for some time; till, to our great joy, they 
subsided, and we thought ourselves in security. Anx- 
ious, however, lest we should still run afoul of some 
straggler of the fleet, I did not venture to bed till 
twelve o'clock ; and my mind had hardly got quieted 
enough to sleep, when a number of voices from 
deck cried, ' She is close aboard of us ! ' and, from 
all which could be heard below, the most fatal event 
was to be expected. A signal was thrown out by a 
lantern ; when the ship saw us, and kept away. Those 
who saw her when nearest, suppose she was but a 
few rods from us. The rigging was very plainly seen 
even when I reached the deck ; which I did with the 
utmost haste, and but few clothes on, as there seemed 
every reason to expect the ship would run us down ; 
and those who could escape by getting on board of 
her would alone save themselves. 

" It pleased Him ' who caters for the sparrow ' that 
we should escape this sad alternative. I never re- 
member to have passed such a night before, and hope 
I never shall such another. 

" The gale was very heavy, and the night dark as 
possible. Had the ship not sho^vn her light, — which 
she did eyery half-hour, — we should not have seen 

V 



50 MEMOIR OF 

her, and of course not shown a signal ; and the event 
would no doubt have proved fatal to us. We were 
lying to when we saw her. We were happy at the 
return of morning, when there was no sail in sight. 
The gale did not abate till about meridian. 

"25th. Sunday. — 'Tis now six weeks since we 
left Boston ; and we are doubtless supposed by our 
friends to have arrived ere this. 

"26th. — This day makes but seventeen days of 
fair wind since we sailed ; and of course we have had 
twenty-eight days' head wind. 

" 28th. — A strong breeze, but fortunately the 
right way. At four, p.m., the wind increased to such 
a height as obliged us to heave to, although a fair 
wind, — which is rather mortifying ; but the immense 
sea which is running makes it necessary, the decks 
being continually loaded with water. 

" At about eleven o'clock at night, it blew as heavy 
a gale as we have had since we have been out, and 
after that time began to moderate. 

" At six o'clock, sounded, and got bottom in about 
eighty fathoms, — white and brown coral, shells, and 
small stones. The captain's reckoning hindered him 
from running the latter part of the night, as he did 
not like to be too near shore, should it continue to 
blow. Sounded at eight o'clock : eighty fathoms. 
Small, gray sand, with small pieces of dark-colored 
shells. Kept on our course. 

" 29th. — I passed a very anxious night ; and sleep 
was a stranger to my eyes but for a short time. 

" At daylight, saw the land, and considered our- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 51 

selves about ten miles distant. At about eight 
o'clock, it began to snow and blow ; the ship con- 
tinuing south-east, and we under as much sail as the 
ship will bear, running off shore. 

" ' How happy a sailor's life passes ! ' says the song ; 
but, if this is happiness, let me seek mine in another 
way. 

" 30th. — Hove to in a gale. 

"Feb. 1st. Sunday. — At eight o'clock, stood in 
for the land, with a good breeze after midnight, in 
company with a Dutchman, whom we spoke, and who 
told us he had been five weeks in the bay. This 
served to reconcile us to the passage we have had, 
tedious as it has now become. At noon, saw a 
quantity of staves, the quarter-deck of a vessel, and 
other timber, floating on the water. Very anxious, 
for fear we should not get in with the land in time to 
get a pilot. 

" Monday morning, Feb. 2, 1794. — At one o'clock 
yesterday afternoon, losing all hopes of getting in 
before night, all the vessels in company stood upon a 
wind to the northward. I little expected what were 
the dangers to which I was to be exposed this night ; 
which I am certain was the most perilous I ever 
passed, or perhaps ever shall. The distance we were 
from the shore, when we hove about, could not be 
more than five or six miles at the extent. The wind 
continued to blow from four o'clock, and, from a 
fresh breeze, came to a most violent gale. The sea 
ran so high that we expected every moment to have 
the decks swept ; and the ocean appeared like one 



52 MEMOIR OF 

continued wave breaking over rocks. All probability 
of our saving ourselves now depended upon carrying 
sail upon the ship ; which we did so as to bury her in 
the waves. Our greatest apprehension was, lest we 
should have some of our sail blown away ; in which 
case, inevitable destruction must have been our lot. 
The number of vessels in company, too, was another 
cause of uneasiness. We saw only one in the hardest 
part of the gale. After nine o'clock, presuming, from 
the course we had been obliged to run, that we must 
soon be on shore on that tack, we wore ship, and 
stood on the other tack; the wind blowing still 
directly on shore. After midnight, the wind abated, 
to our great joy. We were all truly sensible of the 
danger to which we had been exposed ; and every one 
declared he had never seen such a night before. A 
lee shore within a few miles, and a heavy gale blow- 
ing directly on, to one who has so many blessings to 
live for, and who is so well satisfied with his lot in 
life, was to me distressing. For several hours I was 
in this awful state of suspense ; and my reflections 
were not the most agreeable. Had necessity urged 
me from home, it would have been different. I should 
have been satisfied with having been in the line of 
my duty, and should have put a better face on it than 
I was now able to do. 

" Tuesday morning. — We stood in shore, anxious 
lest we should again be too late. At ten o'clock, we 
saw many vessels standing in ; and, at eleven, made the 
light, but saw no pilots come off*. Finding ourselves 
in shore, and the wind blowing directly on, our only 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 53 

alternative was to go in at all events. Accordingly, 
we put our confidence in a chart, and were so for- 
tunate as to get up the river past the light-house ; 
when, doubling the point, a pilot came oiF to us when 
all danger was past. In this we are fortunate to a 
degree beyond our expectations. We were visited by 
a vessel stationed a few leagues up the river ; and the 
officer took a note of our cargo, and left us. The 
pilot tells us there is an American brig lost on the 
rocks in the mouth of the river ; and we are anxious 
for our friend Gray. He says we are very fortunate 
not to have been in sooner, as those vessels which 
arrived ten days since have been in imminent danger 
of being driven on shore by the ice, and have been 
obliged to cut their cables and run on shore to save 
themselves ; so that we know not when we go too fast 
or too slow." 

His observations while he remained in France, and 
the occurrences in which he became concerned, were 
of an interesting character. He made full notes at 
the time ; but the followino^ account is taken from 
the memoranda already referred to,^in a week of 
leisure long afterwards, and commencing thus: — 

" TO MY CHILDREN. 

" Saratoga Springs, July 18, 1846. 

" It has often occurred to me, that it would have 
given me infinite pleasure to have known more than 
has come to my knowledge of the early life of my 
father. He died when I was about six years of age ; 



54 MEMOIR OF 

and all I know of him is from report. My recollec- 
tions of him are very faint ; though I have an impres- 
sion that I remember him in an emaciated state 
shortly before his death." 

After narrating, for the information of his family, 
some incidents of his early life, — part of which have 
been already mentioned, — he proceeds to relate the 
occurrences that followed this voyage to France, as 
follows : — 

" I remained in Europe from December, 1794, to 
October, 1795, — a very interesting period of the 
French Revolution. What was called ' The Moun- 
tain ' in the convention, had been prostrated in some 
degree by the fall of Robespierre, the principal mover 
in the most bloody scenes of the revolution. He en- 
deavored to destroy himself; but failed, and left the 
final act to the guillotine. This instrument had done 
execution on thousands through his influence; and 
retributive justice was satisfied in the fate which ex- 
piated his crimes. 

" France was by no means in a quiet, state when 
I reached Bourdeaux; and, in travelling with the 
courier day and night, we passed so near the theatre 
of war in La Vendee as to hear the reports of the 
cannon of the belligerent parties. If we had been 
fallen in with by the Vendeens, we should doubtless 
have had our throats cut, as public agents and bearers 
of despatches from one province to another. We 
espaped, however, unharmed; though the fate we 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 55 

feared befell the courier a few nights after we passed. 
During my stay in Europe, my time was passed princi- 
pally in Paris, where I had rooms in the same hotel 
with my friend Mr. Joseph Russell. We kept a car- 
riage between us, — always visiting or travelling to- 
gether. It was a new English chariot, which had 
been left behind by some traveller on the breaking 
out of the war, and was in perfect order. We found 
it of great convenience while in the city ; as public 
carriages were not easily had, and no private ones 
were kept by any Frenchmen. Indeed, they were 
kept by very few except by foreign ambassadors. 

" There were in Paris several Americans of my 
acquaintance besides Mr. Russell. We used to dine 
at a restorateur, and breakfast at home ; the wife of 
the porter of the hotel furnishing our coffee. There 
was a great scarcity of breadstuffs during the winter 
and spring. It was produced partly by the farmers 
having their ploughshares turned into swords, partly 
by the waste attendant on war, and in part by an 
unwillingness to sell for assignats, which were con- 
stantly declining in value. The whole population of 
Paris was placed under restriction ; and each family 
received a certain quantity per day from the public 
bakers at a fixed price. The hotels gave in their 
number of guests, for whom they drew the stipulated 
quantity; and those who dined out had their bread 
carried to the place where they dined. I dined almost 
every Saturday with the minister of the United States, 
where I was in the habit of meeting distinguished 
men. 



56 MEMOIR OF 

" I had little business to do in Paris ; and leisure, 
therefore, to observe what was passing. Having sold 
the cargo, or the principal part of it, to government, 
I had little else to do for months than to dance at- 
tendance upon the bureau which had the adjustment 
of the account ; and was finally obliged to leave the 
matter to the care of a friend. 

" After the fall of Robespierre, the revolutionary 
tribunal, of which Fouquier Tinville was the accu- 
sateur-public, — like our attorney-general, — being 
abolished, he, with five judges and ten jurymen, in all 
sixteen, were executed in the Place de Greve by that 
operation which they had infiicted on men, women, 
and even children, for pretended crimes. I went with 
Mr. E-ussell, Mr. Higginson, and several others, and 
secured a room, the nearest we could get to the place 
of execution, that we might witness it closely. The 
prisoners arrived in two carts ; from which they were 
taken out, and placed in the room directly under 
the scaffold. From there they were taken, one 
by one, and, by a ladder of eight or ten feet, 
were brought to the instrument, and decapitated. 
The attorney-general was the last to sufier, and must 
have felt at the fall of the axe in every execution as 
much as he felt when his turn came. They all met 
their fate without a struggle, except a man — one 
of the judges — who had been of the noblesse of 
the country, and whose name was Le Roi, which he 
had, by decree of the convention, changed to Dix Aout, 
or Tenth of August, after the assault upon the Tui- 
leries on that memorable day, when the Swiss and the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 57 

king's immediate attendants were so shamefully mur- 
dered by the populace of Paris. This man died 
game, but kept vociferating his execrations upon his 
executioner until he was sHenced by the fall of the 
axe. 

" This mode of execution is certainly merciful, in- 
asmuch as its work is soon done. From the time the 
prisoners descended from the carts, until their heads 
were all in long baskets, placed in the same carts 
with the lifeless trunks, was fourteen minutes. Two 
minutes were lost by changing the carts ; so that, if all 
the remains could have been placed in one basket, 
but twelve minutes would have been required for be- 
heading the sixteen persons ! The square was filled 
with people. Great numbers of the lowest classes — 
and the low class of women were the most vociferous 
— were there, clapping and huzzaing with every head 
that fell. These were the same people who sang 
hallelujahs on the deaths of those who had been con- 
demned to the guillotine by the very tribunal who had 
now paid the debt they owed to the city; for their 
convictions were principally of the city. Other 
wretches of the same stamp were acting their in- 
fernal parts in dijfferent departments of France. 
Notwithstanding the deserts of this most execrable 
court, the exhibition was horrid to my feelings, how- 
ever deserved the fate of the culprits. 

"Mr. Monroe, the minister of the United States, 
told me that he wished a service to be rendered by 
some one, and felt great interest that I should give 
my aid to it. The object was, that I should aid in 



58 MEMOIR OF 

sending Mr. George Washington La Fayette to the 
United States. His mother, the Marchioness La 
Fayette, was then in Paris with her daughters, and 
Mr. Frestal, their tutor. Mr. Monroe gave me a 
letter to her; and I found her lodged in the third 
story, in the Rue de I'Arbre Sec. She explained her 
object to me ; which was, to get her son sent to the 
United States, to prevent him from being drawn by 
the conscription into the army. He was then four- 
teen years of age. The proposal she made to me 
was, that I should apply to the Convention for per- 
mission to procure a passport for her son to go to 
America, for the purpose of his being educated in a 
counting-house. As the marquis was in bad odor in 
France, it was deemed necessary to sink the real 
name of the party, and to apply to the Committee of 
Safety for a passport for G. W. Motier, this being a 
name of his family which he had a right to assume. 
Madame La Fayette was intimately acquainted with 
Boissy d'Anglas,the president of the committee, and one 
of the old aristocracy of France ; and from him she 
had assurance, that, if the application were made by an 
American, it would be favorably received. The mar- 
quis was at the time prisoner in the Castle of Olmutz, 
in Austria ; and the object of madame was to go to 
him with her daughters, and solace him in his deplo- 
rable confinement, where his health was suiFering. 

" The application to the committee was complied 
with ; and my friend Mr. Russell, who took an active 
part in aiding in the plan, accompanied George La 
Fayette to Havre, where was an American ship in 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 59 

which I had an interest, commanded by Capt. Thomas 
Sturgis, brother to Mr. R. Sturgis, who married my 
eldest sister. To him I gave letters, requesting that 
Mr. La Fayette might have a passage in the ship, 
which was freely accorded. Mr. Russell and myself 
paid the expense of the journey and the passage ; and 
Mr. La Fayette arrived in Boston, where he was cor- 
dially received by my family, and passed some time 
there. He afterwards went to Mount Vernon, and 
lived in the family of General Washington, until, in 
the following year, he returned to Europe, when he 
entered the revolutionary army. 

" He served with reputation ; but, as the name was 
not a favorite one with the existing leaders, he was 
kept in the background by the influence of General 
Bonaparte ; and retired, after a year or two of service, 
to private life. He is yet living (1846), and has been 
a member of the House of Deputies since the fall of 
Bonaparte. 

"Madame La Fayette went to Austria, and re- 
mained with her husband up to the time of his libera- 
tion. Immediately after his being set at liberty, he 
wrote me a letter, dated at Olmutz, thanking me for 
the share I had taken in enabling his wife to visit 
him in his distress, and declaring that I had been the 
means of saving his life by the means used in restor- 
ing his family to him. This letter is now in the pos- 
session of Mrs. Bates, of London, to whom I gave it 
as an interesting article for her portfolio." 

The following passages from the diary which he 



60 MEMOIU OF 

kept in Paris at this time have considerable interest 
when taken in connection with what it appears 
was then done to promote the wishes of Madame de 
La Fayette. It will be observed, that there is no 
reference in this journal — written as it was with the 
hazard of its falling by treachery into the hands of 
some spy — to the subject which so deeply concerned 
that unfortunate lady. When he calls on her, when 
she breakfasts with him, or he goes with Mr. Russell 
to see him off for Havre, there is no allusion to the 
youth who accompanied the latter, and on whose escape 
her happiness and the welfare of the marquis so far 
depended. 

"Old style. Paris, March 12, 1795. 22d Ven- 
tose. — I left Bourdeaux with the courier, and in six 
days and a half arrived at this seat of luxury and dis- 
sipation, where every thing is on a large scale, and 
the scenes of business and amusement are so nume- 
rous that it is apt to bewilder the head of a young 
traveller. 

" My business has so much taken up my time since 
I arrived in Paris, that I have neglected to keep a 
note of the time as it passed, that at a future day 
I may have it in my power to recall to my memory 
some things which would escape it were this mode 
neglected. 

" I am not a great lover of bustle and the amuse- 
ments of the city, but rather admire the country round 
it, which is always cultivated and embellished in pro- 
portion to the magnificence of the city in the vicinity 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 61 

of which it is situated. The thousand ideas that have 
revolved in my mind within a few years, respecting 
this great theatre of the revolution, are all ushered 
into my thoughts together, upon coming into the part 
of the city which shows the places where the great 
scenes have been acted; such as the Palace of the 
Tuileries, the Elysian Fields, &c. The bridges in 
front of the palace are beautiful, and add much to the 
beauty of the prospect from the neighboring houses. 
The first time I walked over the Pont Neuf, I felt the 
force of Sterne's story of the notary, who, clapping 
his cane to his head, tipped the sentinel's hat into the 
river. My hand went instinctively to my head, and 
my hat had nigh gone after the sentinel's. There 
seems to be always a current of wind there; and every 
one takes the precaution the notary did in walking 
over it. 

" 24th. — The day pleasant. This day I dined with 
the American minister, whom I find to be a very gen- 
tleman-like, and, to appearance, worthy man. The 
celebrated Van Staphorst, who was exiled for his 
republicanism from Amsterdam, was there, and seve- 
ral other gentlemen of distinction. Mrs. Monroe is 
one of the finest women I ever knew ; and she is 
said to combine the greatest worth with her personal 
accomplishments and beauty. 

" 25 th. — The morning is again clear, for a wonder, 
and promises well for a pleasant day. Yesterday gave 
me news of the " Betsy's " arrival at Bourdeaux ; and 
the same post informed me that the brig " Delight " 
was taken and carried to England. 'Tis well not to 
have extremes of good and ill fortune. 



62 MEMOIR OF 

" I went yesterday through the Palace of the Tuile- 
ries, which was the one occupied by the royal family 
when at Paris, which I am told was but seldom, as their 
time was chiefly spent at Versailles. The apartment 
of the ci-devant queen was pointed out to me : it wears 
the marks of the violence of the tenth of August. 
The appearance of the palace is very majestic, and, 
when kept in good order, must have been superior to 
any other in Europe. The gardens in the rear, and 
the Champs Elysees, make one think one's self on 
enchanted ground. All the rooms in the palace are 
taken up with committees and the assembly-house. 
I had formed an idea of the room in which the Con- 
vention sit as immensely large ; and indeed it must be 
large to contain seven hundred members on the lower 
floor ; but the galleries and the tribunes are small in 
proportion to what one would suppose from the great 
noise they have made, and the terror they have created. 
The part called the Mountain does not appear to me 
to be capable of holding above four or five hundred 
persons. A large majority of the people in the gal- 
leries at the Convention are women, of all ages and 
conditions ; most of whom are said to be hired to go 
there to approve or disapprove certain measures, as 
they may be for or against the party by which they 
are sent. It is certainly a very unfair influence ; and 
I wonder at its being countenanced by the Conven- 
tion. 

" The members of the Convention wear their hats, 
and stroll about as their whims may call them. They 
begin business at about one o'clock, and finish at four 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 63 

o'clock, unless something of importance prevents them 
from adjourning. In the time of Robespierre, the ma- 
jority of the people in the galleries were, as at present, 
women ; but I am told they were very ill-dressed, and 
their vociferations at times were such as to prevent busi- 
ness. The leaders in the galleries at this time are the 
Jeunes Gens, who talk loud, and approve or disapprove 
with great warmth. The American and French colors 
are suspended over the chair of the president. I had 
an idea that every member who spoke was obliged to 
go into the tribune, — which is an elevation in front 
of the seats of the members ; but I find that this 
is optional. Any one who intends to speak long, or 
wishes to make himself well heard, mounts the tri- 
bune ; but they speak also from their seats. 

" Barrere, CoUot d'Herbois, Vadier and his col- 
league, have not yet had their trials. Their fate is 
pronounced, by every one I have conversed with, 
inevitable. That Collot d'Herbois merits it, no one 
will doubt who hears the facts related respecting his 
conduct at Lyons. 

" Louis were two hundred and four livres two days 
since : they are to-day one hundred and fifty. 

" 26th. — The morning charmingly pleasant. A 
decree was this day issued to serve the inhabitants of 
the city with but one pound of bread for each indi- 
vidual in a family. This, to a Frenchman, is starva- 
tion; although children are entitled to the same as 
a grown person, and of course, in a large family 
where there are children, the quantity will be greater 
to adults than a pound per day, — which, to an 



64 MEMOIR OF 

American, would be more than he wanted. Bread 
is given out at Paris for three sous per pound; 
whereas in all the other departments they are pay- 
ing ten times that sum. This, however, has always 
been the case in this metropolis, where the poor 
govern, or where they would govern, and with a rod 
of iron, were they in want of the staff of life. This 
was done under the old government, when it was sup- 
posed that the will of the government could not be 
overawed by the people ; and therefore it is not sur- 
prising that the Convention is obliged to do the same 
under the dominion of Liberty and Equality. This 
fact is not pleasing to the other great cities of the 
republic, which are obliged to pay twenty shillmgs 
per pound for the same article, and by the same 
government ; but Paris, it seems, must be indulged in 
those things. The plenty in the markets in the city, 
of meats generally, and particularly of poultry of the 
best kind I ever saw, is surprising ; and, in the public 
houses, every thing which speaks plenty is displayed 
in profusion. 

" 27th. — The morning fair ; but the day, after nine 
o'clock, rainy and unpleasant. There are eighteen 
theatres open every night in this great, this immense 
city ; and what is still more astonishing is, that they 
are all crowded ; and, when a favorite piece is to be 
given, it is necessary to apply for tickets early in the 
day. The Opera House is the most beautiful I have 
yet seen; and the dancing is so far beyond what I 
had before seen, that it appeared to me like magic. 
The opera of ' Telemachus ' was performed a few even- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 65 

ings since, to the delight of every one. The charac- 
ter of Calypso was supported by a woman of an 
elegant appearance and fine action, and whose tout 
ensemble is thought better than that of any other per- 
son who appears on the stage. I am told she was 
carried through the streets, in the reign of the tyrant 
Robespierre, in the character and as the representa- 
tion of the Almighty. Telemachus was supported by 
the famous dancer Vestris. The nymphs, upwards of 
forty in number, were dressed with all the wanton- 
ness imaginable: their dancing, too, is, to us Ameri- 
cans, indecent in the extreme. 

" There appears to be no want of persons to fill up 
the play, and to give it all its effect. For instance, 
the other evening, in some piece which was given, 
there was a well-disciplined company of forty-eight, 
rank and file, accompanied by another company of 
archers introduced on the stage, who went through a 
number of evolutions to a charm. Upwards of one 
hundred persons were on the stage at one time. 

" Every piece is replete with patriotic sentiments ; 
and since the fall of the Jacobins, who are styled the 
drinkers of blood, scarcely a piece appears which 
does not contain some severity against them. The 
bonnet rouge, which was once so much in fashion in 
France, is no longer worn : indeed, it would be dan- 
gerous for a man to be seen with one in the streets. 
The revolution which has taken place in respect to 
the Jacobins is astonishing. They who ruled France, 
and with a rod of ii-on, are now afraid to appear in 
the streets; for they are scouted wherever they are 

9 



66 MEMOIR OF 

met, and it is as much as their lives are worth to be 
seen abroad. Whenever one has been found in the 
play-house, he has been made to run the gantlet, and 
was glad to get off so. 

" 28th Ventose. — The weather more unpleasant 
than yesterday ; and, this morning, snow and rain fell 
in a small quantity. It is said that the Committee 
of Saluf Public is occupied with some negotiations of 
peace with the kings of Prussia and Spain ; and it 
seems to be the general opinion, that the ' conceited 
John Bull' (as the Parisians say) and the emperor 
will be obliged to hold the field, or rather to fly it 
alone. We are told here that the ' infatuated Pitt ' is 
making great exertions to carry on the ensuing cam- 
paign with vigor. ' Madness cannot be greater than 
this,' say the Parisians. 

" About eight hundred persons went yesterday to 
the Convention to complain of their allowance of 
bread, and used some expressions which three months 
since would have sent them all to the guillotine. The 
speaker for the multitude said, among other things, 
that they almost repented their exertions to effect the 
revolution, which was attended with so many evils. 
The reply of the president was spirited, and the Con- 
vention showed a great degree of indignation on the 
occasion. In lieu of having the honors of a sitting, 
as has been usual, they were advised to retire to their 
labors peacefully. The patrols have been increased 
since the deficiency of bread, and also the guards of 
the city. 

" 29th. ^— This morning it rained for an hour, and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 67 

the weather through the day has been very unplea- 
sant. This day confirmed my opinion of the perfidy 
of some of the agents of the government. Although 
the contract I made with them was signed, they now 
make difficulties, and wish to alter the tenor of the 
agreement. 

" I was this morning at the Convention, and was 
astonished at the intemperance which discovered itself 
in a debate which took place there. I was in the up- 
permost tribune, and could hear very little that was 
said, so distinctly as to understand the subject of de- 
bate. Lecointre, who was in the tribune, and had 
the ' parole,' was interrupted every moment. The two 
parties showed themselves pro and con.; and their 
gestures and tones would have led one to suppose 
that they would be at fisticuffs every moment. The 
president rang his bell for a minute at a time, but all 
to no effect ; and I expected to see his hat go on every 
minute. Order was at length restored, and the orator 
proceeded. This, I am told, happens every day ; but 
I doubt if it does to such a degree. Every member 
was up and speaking at the same time, in a tone of 
thunder ; and the threats which their motions led me 
to believe they made use of would with us not have 
ended there. This kind of management in a legisla- 
tive assembly is most certainly wrong and disgraceful ; 
at least, it appears so to an American spectator. 

" I am told most of the business of the Republic is 
executed by the Committee of Public Safety, which 
consists of but twelve persons. This committee paay 
be called the Executive of the Government. It is 



68 MEMOIR or 

appointed by the Convention, and is removable at the 
pleasure of that body ; while its proceedings must be 
approved by the representatives of the people. 

" Other committees are appointed for finance, com- 
merce, war, &c., by the head committee of Salut 
Public, one of the members of which is president 
of the principal committee ; so that all the doings of 
the several distinct departments eventually concentrate 
in the Committee of Salut Public, where they are ma- 
tured and carried into effect when approved. I am 
told that the Executive Committee is the most inde- 
fatigable of any in the world ; and that they sit at 
business until four and five o'clock in the morning, 
and are at it again at ten or eleven. In this way a 
great deal of business must be accomplished; and it is 
certain that they have effected wonders. 

" Peace is still talked of with Spain and Prussia ; 
and it is said that there is an emissary now in Paris, 
who comes to know if a commissioner would be re- 
ceived. 

" My landlady tells me that I must go to the sec- 
tion to-day, and get a pound of bread, or I shall not 
be able to get any in the house. As bread is not the 
staff of life with me, I think I shall dispense with the 
bread, rather than be plagued with getting a card to 
entitle me to it. 

" I am told that the daily guard, which mounts in 
this city, is at least twenty thousand in number. 
This is astonishing ; and, at the time of the arrest of 
Robespierre, it is said to have been doubled. It con- 
sists principally of the citizens, who arc all obliged to 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS, 69 

serve in turn ; and no one is excused, or can find a 
person to serve in his stead, unless for very good and 
cogent reasons. They are generally armed with 
spears, fixed in the end of long poles. 

"I see with great pleasure the national troops, 
which are sometimes paraded in the place before the 
Palace of the Tuileries. They are fine-looking fel- 
lows; and a band of music generally accompanies 
them on parade. The cannoneers all appear to be very 
young men, some of them not more than fifteen or 
sixteen years of age ; and I am told that to them the 
Republic is indebted for some of the best victories 
she has to boast. May every man be a cannoneer 
when opposed to tyrants, and every cannoneer an 
army in himself ! 

" Exchange in silver seven hundred for one hun- 
dred. 

" 30th Ventose or Decadi. March 20th. — The 
morning more pleasant than for some days past. The 
churches may now be opened freely ; and every one 
has the privilege of worshipping God as he may see 
fit. The suspension of this right has been one of the 
most unfortunate measures ever taken, for it is sup- 
posed to have been the cause in La Vendee of the 
loss to the Republic of three hundred thousand lives ; 
and, what is even worse than that, it produced an ani- 
mosity between those who ought to think and act like 
brothers and friends, which it will be very difl[icult to 
eradicate. An eventual peace is at last established in 
that quarter, which for two years past has been a 
scene of blood and carnage. Freedom of thinking is 



70 MEMOIR OF 

a privilege which, when once enjoyed, will not be 
tamely given up, particularly in matters of religion ; 
and it is, in my opinion, wise and prudent in the 
Convention to take oiF the shackles which fettered 
this darling right. 

" As I was taking my usual walk in the morning, I 
was induced, by the sound of music, to enter a build- 
ing which was once used as a church, but which had 
been shut up by Robespierre for upwards of ten 
months. My friend Sabonadaire was there, with 
whom I took a seat. 

" This discourse was the first one delivered since 
the opening; and the subject was principally the 
sacred liberty of religious opinion. The society was 
Presbyterian. The women seemed particularly af- 
fected by the discourse, which was very pathetic. 
Mr. Sabonadaire pointed out to me Miss Helen 
Maria "Williams ; and, as I had an inclination to be 
acquainted with her, he introduced me to her after 
church. She seemed to be a sensible, sprightly wo- 
man, but too much of a politician. 

" 1st Germinal. 22d March. — The weather ap- 
pears to change with the introduction of the month, 
and speaks the approach of spring and its attendant 
beauties. 

" There is a general agitation in Paris this day. 
Large assemblies of persons were seen in the streets ; 
and the cause of this is supposed to be the approach- 
ing trial of the four members of the Convention, — 
Barrere, &c. It is said that the Jacobins wish to 
raise a party to rescue them ; and the fear of seeing 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 71 

them again in power sets every one alive and on the 
watch. In the evening there were blows given in the 
Palais d'Egalite ; and I am assured that several hun- 
dred Jacobins appeared there, and put the Jeunesse 
de Paris to flight. They returned to the charge with 
increased numbers, and beat their opponents off the 
ground. Large numbers of the young men paraded 
the streets in the evening, chanting the new, patriotic, 
anti-Jacobin song of ' Reveil du Peuple.' The guards 
in Paris, who I am told amount every day to twenty 
thousand men, are double that number to-day. 

" The trial commences to-morrow. 

" 2d. — Cloudy and unpleasant. This day will be 
an interesting one, and will show whether Jacobinism 
dare raise its hideous head. 

" Midnight. — The commotions of the last evening, 
and the fear of seeing Jacobinism once more trium- 
phant, brought out every man this day. The number 
of patrols that paraded the streets and the gardens 
of the Tuileries was astonishing. The guard of the 
day was forty thousand ; besides which, the reserve 
guard, which may be called in half an hour, numbers 
sixty thousand. In addition to this, almost every 
man has girded on his sabre to-day, and paraded the 
gardens and palaces. The number of people in the 
Tuileries was very great; and every one was armed, 
and showed a spirit of determination to overthrow 
any thing Jacobinical that might show itself 

"Barrere,Collot d'Herbois, and Billaud de Varennes, 
were this day brought to the bar of the Convention. 
The crowd was so great that there was no getting in. 



72 MEMOIR OF 

They are to make their defence to-morrow, or rather 
they will begin them ; for it is supposed that they will 
procrastinate as much as possible, in order to give 
their party time to show itself But it is too late : the 
general opinion dooms them to death; and there is but 
little doubt of their meeting it. If the condemna- 
tions finish with those now at the bar, the public will 
be very much disappointed. Incendiary pieces are 
stuck up, setting forth the necessity of taking off 
forty or fifty of the Convention, ere peace and secu- 
rity can be restored. 

" 3d. — This day has been more tranquil than was 
generally expected. Nothing shows itself which is 
opposed to the fate of those at the bar. In passing 
through the court of the Palace of the Tuileries this 
morning at ten o'clock, I saw the attention of the crowd 
attracted to a coach which entered ; and, as it passed 
me, I perceived that one of the prisoners was in it, 
guarded by three gens d'armes, who rode in the coach 
with him. It was Billaud de Varennes. He jumped 
from the carriage as soon as the door was opened, 
and from where it stood to the door of the Conven- 
tion, with great agility, as if not to be seen by the 
people, who were gathering in crowds round the car- 
riage. Perhaps fear induced him to wish not to be 
seen by the public ; and, had it been Collot d'Herbois, 
I should not have been surprised at his fear of assas- 
sination, if a thousandth part of the barbarities at- 
tributed to him are true. He (Collot) was the deputy 
at Lyons, where every kind of enormity which shocks 
humanity was committed. All ages, sexes, and con- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PEKKINS. 73 

ditions fell victims to his savage disposition, and 
without an opportunity to defend themselves. One 
instance of his unheard-of cruelty was printed in our 
American papers ; but it was supposed to be a fable 
of the aristocracy, and had not the public faith. 
This was his ordering the military to fire on the 
populace, whom he had summoned into a square ; 
and all sexes and conditions were inhumanly slaugh- 
tered. The charges against him are many and great ; 
his chance but small of saving himself 

" This evening, Mr. Monroe, the American minister, 
invited half a dozen of us to attend the Convention 
with him to-morrow ; which it is supposed will be an 
interesting day. 

" 4th. — Breakfasted with Mr. Monroe, and was in- 
troduced, with him and several other Americans, by 
Mr. Rosse, — one of the masters at arms, — ' to one of 
the tribunes, which are on the floor of the Conven- 
tion. The members were very generally there; and 
the galleries and tribunes were very much crowded. 
The prisoners were seated behind the president. Their 
countenances all bespoke the anxiety which must hang 
on their hearts. Collot spoke first, and Barrere fol- 
lowed, in vindication of their conduct ; and they con- 
cluded by demanding of the Convention, that the 
articles of their impeachment, by the Committee of 
Twenty-one, should be discussed before the Conven- 
tion, article by article. This introduced very warm 
debate and most outrageous passion, mixed with per- 
sonal scurrility. The members who remained of the 
old Committee of Saint Public — to which the four 

10 



74 MEMOm OF 

who are now under trial belonged — are very unplea- 
santly situated, and will make all endeavors to save 
them, in order that their own conduct may not be in- 
vestigated ; which it is supposed will ensue, if Barrere 
&c. are condemned. Four of this same committee 
fell with Robespierre ; and, besides those under trial, 
there are but four remaining. The business of dis- 
cussion by article was not determined when the Con- 
vention adjourned. The bell was rung often, but 
with little eiFect ; for its sound was drowned by the 
hundred voices which were raised at the same time. 
Legendre was one of the principal speakers ; and he, 
with Cambon, and a few others, were alternately in 
the tribune. Sullidan was one of the Committee of 
Twenty-one, and had much to say in vindication 
of that committee, and the principles which guided 
their inquiries in the business committed to their care. 
" Although a decree was passed that no mark of 
approbation or the reverse should be shown by the 
Convention, and though it was a decree nem. con., yet 
there was as much of the one and the other as before, 
both by the members of the Convention and the au- 
dience. The women in the tribunes have been, in 
general, so unruly, that they were prohibited for a 
day or two from entering. I see, however, that they 
have got themselves again introduced. They go for 
the session, let it be longer or shorter ; and all take 
their dinners in their pockets. I saw a woman there 
the other day who was very industriously employed in 
knitting. They are generally women of the lowest 
class. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 75 

" There were not so many patrols out to-day as a 
few days past. Probably they feel confident of their 
party. 

"5th. — Employed in following up my business, 
which is shamefully neglected by the members of the 
Committee of Salut Piihlic. All is finished but their 
signature ; which they pretend, at the offices, the mem- 
bers have not time to get. 

" The weather now begins to be pleasant ; and walk- 
ing is agreeable. All is quiet in Paris ; and there are 
but few patrols in the streets. It is generally sup- 
posed that some time will be taken up in the Conven- 
tion with the business of Barrere and the others, — - 
more than was at first expected. 

" 6th. — The weather lowering and unpleasant ; 
which is, however, no proof in Paris that we shall 
not have a clear day. This day I received letters 
from Boston, which, though of ancient date, afibrded 
me infinite pleasure, and make me more and more 
regret the sacrifices I am making of domestic happi- 
ness, in being absent from a family and connections 
dear to me as life itself. 

" Madame de La Fayette breakfasted with Mr. 
E-ussell and myself this morning. She is much worn 
do^^^l by her misfortunes, which, she says, she fears 
will know no end but in the grave. Poor woman ! 
she came very near trying the experiment under the 
reign of Robespierre. She was kept in prison, under 
every refinement of deprivation of liberty, for fifteen 
months. By some unaccountable good fortune, she 
was removed from one prison to another ; which she 



76 MEMOIR OF 

thought at the time the greatest evil that was left for 
her in life, as it separated her from her friends, who 
were confined in the same prison, and placed her with 
strangers. This removal saved her life ; for all who 
were in the room where she was were taken out and 
executed a few days before the fall of Robespierre. 
Among them were her father, and some other rela- 
tions and intimate friends. She has had no letter 
from M. de La Fayette since he left France, and suf- 
fers all the torments which the warmest affection can 
be supposed to endure under similar circumstances. 
Her son and two daughters are in France ; and I am 
told that they are fine children. 

" 7th. — I am this moment told that the people of 
Paris are reduced to half a pound of bread a day; 
and that there have been women waiting at the bakers' 
shops all night, so as to have an opportunity to be 
served first in the morning. They say that the tavern- 
keepers do not draw any. I fear this will make 
trouble. Bread, I am told, is the sole subsistence of 
thousands of workmen and their families, relished 
with an anchovy. May the God of plenty make them 
a speedy visit, and put an end to their distresses, which 
seem to be many ! It is peculiarly unfortunate that 
the want of bread occurs at this time ; for every agi- 
tation helps the malcontents of the city, who are said 
not to be few. As I dine with the American minister 
to-day, I shall probably hear the opinions of public 
characters on the subject of the present scarcity. 

" Merlin de Thionville, Freron, Laveaux, Thibau- 
deau, the late president, and several other members 



THOMAS HANDASYD PEKKINS. 77 

of the Convention, dined with Mr. Monroe ; and, in the 
evening, Tallien came in. I find by their conversation 
that they are much interested in the question concern- 
ing the fate of Barrere and his companions. They do 
not hesitate to say that the present trial is a decision 
between Jacobinism with its excesses and the reign of 
reason and moderation. God send the latter may tri- 
umph ! They are for cutting off the chiefs, who are 
those now on trial, and letting their aiders and abettors 
sink into oblivion. Were the moderes to pursue all con- 
cerned in the system for which the accused are now on 
trial, it would be destroying one system of terror by an- 
other. Merlin is the representative of the people who 
so bravely defended Mayence. He is a fine soldier 
and a great politician. His appearance is manly, and 
his countenance open. He wears whiskers, which con- 
tinue from one temple to the other, — making a circle 
by the corners of his mouth and over his upper lip ; 
and he has sworn not to shave them until Mayence 
shall be retaken. He speaks with great energy, and 
has an eye made for command. Freron is esteemed a 
man of first-rate abilities, and great powers of oratory. 
Thibaudeau was the president for the last decade, and 
fills the chair as well as any one in the assembly. 
The spirited answer he gave to the workmen, who 
were instigated by a certain party to come to the Con- 
vention and demand bread, and who, in their address 
to the Assembly, had the audacity to observe that they 
almost repented the sacrifices they had made for the 
revolution, — I say, the answer he gave them probably 
saved an insurrection, for which they were ripe, and 



78 MEMOIR OF 

which there is little doubt was their intention. The 
choice of the president of the Convention is for fifteen 
days, or two weeks ; and this is the only instance in 
which they have reference to old divisions of time. 

" I am told by Mr. E,osse, one of the masters at 
arms in the assembly, that the prisoners appeared to 
have great spirits, in consequence of the mobs which 
are gathering round the Convention. At about four 
o'clock this afternoon, nearly two thousand women 
crowded round the door of the Assembly, and demand- 
ed an entrance to the hall. They were very noisy, and 
were with difficulty prevented from bursting the door 
of the Convention; to which they sent a deputation 
from their body, to represent their distress for want of 
bread; pleading, that although the Convention had 
promised them yesterday a pound per diem for each 
person, yet they had received but half a pound this 
day. They were assured by the president that it was 
their own fault if they did not receive more, as it was 
ready to be delivered half an hour after they left the 
bakers'. They received some good advice ; and were 
exhorted to behave like good citizens, and return to 
their families. Some of the most clamorous were 
taken to prison ; which, I presume, will have a good 
eifect. The people of Paris dread a female mob ; for 
that sex has been at the head of, and indeed the 
principal actors in, some of the most important revo- 
lutions of Paris. 

" 8th. — The weather is overcast and unpleasant. 
All is quiet to-day. The poor people are to have a 
substitute of biscuit and rice for their deficiency of 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 79 

bread. This will keep them still. The private houses 
of people in easy circumstances, and of the restaura- 
teurs, are only supplied with half a pound per person, 
and that of a quality very inferior. I am anxious to 
hear of arrivals from America, and other neutral 
powers, with breadstuffs ; without which I fear there 
will be a famine of bread. We are told that they are 
in great want in the south of France ; and, if that is 
the case now, what will be their wants three months 
hence ? 

" A motion was this day made in the Convention to 
call the primary assemblies, for the choosing a new 
Convention, that the constitution of 1793 may be put 
in force. 

" 10th. — This is Decadi. As I have not yet been 
out, I cannot say whether there is more religion on 
this than on other days. The shops, I observe, are 
generally shut to-day; though there are some ex- 
ceptions. In this country, no attention is paid to 
the new division of time. They stick by old customs ; 
and with them our Sunday is held sacred, and they lay 
aside their work. 

" I went to-day to visit the place where the Bastille 
stood ; and see, from the space it occupied, that it must 
have been a very large building. The cells are now 
all filled up ; and there is a figure of Liberty placed on 
the spot. When one contemplates the misery which 
that place once contained, the blood runs cold in the 
veins, and the soul is quickened with hatred against 
tyrants, wherever they are found, — whether they rule 
in a hody, or severally. There have been, unfortunately, 



80 MEMOIR OF 

a great many Bastilles in France since that one ivas 
destroyed. 

" I am told that the Convention are determined to 
continue the trial of the prisoners, and not make them 
over to the new Convention which is to be called. 

" Dined with a decadi club of Americans, who meet 
on that day, to the number of fifteen or twenty, and 
pass a few hours very merrily. 

" 11th. — Upon calling for breakfast this morning, 
the landlord informed us that Ave could not have any 
bread. The women were in crowds all night at the 
doors of the bakers ; and Russell tells me, that, at a 
baker's opposite to where he passed the night, they 
were assembled at eleven o'clock, and that at eight they 
were still there. There has never been so great a 
scarcity of bread, since the war, so early in the season ; 
and this is more the case in the south of France than 
in the middle. All seems to be perfectly quiet. Put- 
ting some women, who made a great tumult, into 
prison, has had a good effect. 

" All nature begins to smile. The trees are putting 
forth, and this day is enchantingly fine. The walks 
in the Tuileries begin to be crowded; and it is not 
to be wondered at, for they exceed the imagination of 
ordinary minds. The difference in numbers between 
men and women which is seen in the streets is very 
striking, notwithstanding the great number of men 
here who are strangers. Whether it is that men are 
more occupied, and keep at their labor, while the 
women are sent abroad in search of provisions, I will 
not undertake to say. I observe that there are none 
but women at the doors of the butchers and bakers. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 81 

" I was this evening at the theatre of the Pahiis 
d'Egalite. This appertains to the immense building, 
all of which was built by that execrable wretch, the 
Duke of Orleans, whose memory is abhorred by every 
honest man, and with whom, I presume, the common 
damned will hold no converse. The building is the 
handsomest I have yet seen in Paris, and the perform- 
ance was very respectable: indeed, I have not been 
so much diverted since I arrived as last evening. It 
appears to me that the manners of the French must 
have changed since Mr. Moore was among them. 
They certainly appear to have less complaisance than 
was common among those whom I have been ac- 
quainted with. They endeavor to imitate republican 
simplicity ; and the fact is, they come short, in many 
cases, of common civility. 

"12th, or, in old style, 1st April, 1795. — This 
morning looks as fine as yesterday. My friend Rus- 
sell this day closed the purchase of a house and 
eighteen acres of land, which cost 200,000 livres in 
specie, for 232,500 in assignats. A great spec ! 

" At eleven o'clock, great numbers of people flocked 
towards the Convention ; and, at about two o'clock, 
the number of people was so great that the Conven- 
tion were alarmed for their safety ; and the generale 
was ordered to be beat, and the tocsin to be sounded. 
A great number of deputations were sent from the 
different sections ; and they crowded so closely upon 
the sentinels stationed at the door of the Assembly, 
that they fell back, and in a moment the Convention 
was filled with men and women demanding bread, 



11 



82 MEMOIR OF 

which they said had been promised them, but which 
they had been disappointed in. Some called for the 
liberation of the persons who were detained in prison, 
as they said, for their opinions. They were so tumult- 
nous that the president was obliged to put on his hat ; 
but this was disregarded, and the members were very 
much afraid for the event. The persons who are 
spoken of as being so unjustly detained in prison are 
the partisans of Robespierre ; and it is feared, that, 
were they again at liberty, they would drench the 
country once more with innocent blood. Thousands 
of men and women were gathered in the vicinity of 
the palace ; and at least sixty thousand men are under 
arms this day. In general, the guards are armed 
mostly with pikes ; but to-day they are armed with 
guns, which are in very good order. In the streets 
there are nothing but patrols. Every shop is shut 
up, and all business . suspended. The tradesmen 
forsook their work early this morning, and were 
determined upon piaking a business of it. I am 
astonished to see the immense number of decent 
women, who are led into that part of the town where 
the agitation seems to be the most violent merely by 
motives of curiosity. In the promenade behind the 
Palace of the Tuileries, and in the whole area in front 
of the palace, it was almost impossible to pass, on 
account of the crowds of people. I am in hopes 
that all will pass over quietly, and that the arrival of 
flour will calm the public mind,- which is very much 
agitated, and is kept so by the agents of the Jacobin 
party, who add fuel to the fire. Should the means of 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 83 

subsistence not come in, God only knows what will 
be the consequence. The people in Paris have always 
looked to the government of France for bread; and 
they of course think it their due, and consider a depri- 
vation of it an infringement of their rights. 

" 13th. — Penieres, one of the deputies of the Con- 
vention, was last evening stabbed by the malcontents 
of the section of the cite. The ringleader of the 
mob was taken up, and will probably suffer for his 
indiscretion. 

" From the general fermentation in Paris yesterday, 
some measures of a decisive nature have been taken. 
It seems that the opinion of the Convention was the 
same with my own respecting the agitation ; which 
was, that it was not the want of bread alone that 
made the tumult so general, but that a certain party 
had made hread the watchword, and the ostensible 
reason for their enormities. Under this suspicion, 
seven of the members have been arrested. They were 
of the party called the ' Mountain.' Their names are 
Chales, Choudieu, Leonard Bourdon, Amar, Fourdroy, 
Duhem, and another, whose name I do not know. 
The people who have been on trial some time are 
now condemned by the Convention to transportation 
to an island in the Mediterranean. When they are 
once gone, I have some hopes that there will be 
tranquillity in the city. 

" The gmerale was again beat this day; and great 
numbers of men are under arms. Two sections are 
in revolt ; and Gen, Pichegru happening to be in 
Paris, the Convention gave him the cqmmand of the 



84 MEMOIR OF 

Parisian Guards, to go against them. About six 
o'clock, I took a walk, under the sanction of my 
Americanship, round the Tuileries, and find all Paris 
in arms. Not a street but is crowded with men 
bearing muskets. Every one seems occupied in the 
business ; and you do not meet a boy in the street 
that is not talking of the business of the day. Clarke 
and I were obliged to take the rounds of a mile at 
least, before we got liberty to pass. All the bridges 
are guarded by artillery, as are the avenues into the 
Tuileries and to the palace. This day, saw the superb 
building of the Hospital of Invalids, and the Military 
School : they are magnificent buildings. The Champ 
de Mars also afibrds one of the most magnificent pro- 
spects in the world. 

" The women appear to be more interested, if pos- 
sible, in the business of the day, than the men. You 
cannot pass a house where you do not see a woman 
with a newspaper in her hand, and half a dozen per- 
sons round her swallowing her news ; and this even- 
ing, as we passed the Pont Neuf, we had the curiosity 
to approach a crowd, where we saw a very fine-look- 
ing female reading the news to a large number who 
stood by. It was in the open air, and by candle-light. 
This is so very difierent from the character of our 
women, that it strikes us with astonishment ; at the 
same time that a Frenchman passes by, and takes no 
notice of it. 

" 14th. — The deputies who were denounced yes- 
terday were sent off last night to the Castle of Ham, 
in Picardy. They were eight in number, and it is 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 85 

supposed will be followed by many more of the same 
section. Barrere, Collot, and Billaud de Varennes, 
were also sent off, under a guard, to the south of 
France ; from whence they are to be embarked for the 
island destined to receive them. The mob stopped 
the coach, and were determined to put them to death 
on the spot, but were prevented by the guards. 

" The papers this morning tell us that there were 
fifty thousand men under arms last evening in the 
vicinity of the Convention ; and this is not difficult to 
believe. The sections which were in insurrection are 
now quiet. The complement of bread is this day only 
a quarter of a pound. The Convention have assured 
the people there will be large supplies in a few days ; 
which I hope to God will be the case. 

" Gold, two hundred and twenty to two hundred and 
fifteen per guinea, falling.. The day before yesterday, 
they were up to two hundred and fifty. 

" This day, dined with Mr. Sabonadaire, the head 
clerk of the Committee of Public Safety. There was 
present Madame Vallet, who was patronized by Vol- 
taire, and by him distinguished as the helle et bonne. 
He married her to the Marquis de Vallet ; and, from 
her rank, she was imprisoned under the reign of 
Robespierre for eleven months. I had the pleasure 
to meet her once before at Mr. Monroe's, and had 
my heart almost broken with the recital of her suf- 
ferings while in prison. She had a daughter with 
her, of about six years old. Most of her friends 
who were confined at the same time with her fell 
victims to the bloody ferocity of the despotism which 



86 MEMOIR OF 

reigned at that period. Her time was near at hand; 
but justice came in to her aid, and saved to the world 
as fine a woman as I ever knew. 

" There were many of the members of the Conven- 
tion present : they are all in high spirits, and show by 
their conversation that they are confident they have 
given the final stroke, the coup de grace^ to Jacobinism. 
Isnard, one of the proscribed, was there. He was of 
the seventy-three deputies who were outlawed; and 
his crime was having spoken in favor of his friend, 
whom Robespierre had destined to fall. He was 
in Paris, confined to his chamber, from October, 
1793, until a few weeks since. He is a sprightly 
man, and has the most piercing eye I ever saw in 
my life. 

" The brother of Rabaud St. Etienne, who was 
sacrificed, was there too. The President Pelet, and 
the late President Thibaudeau, were also there ; and, 
as they were all going to the Convention, I accepted 
an invitation, and took a seat with Mr. Monroe in the 
tribune lately appropriated to the foreign ministers. 

" The sitting was noisy; but it was good-natured, 
and rather the kind which proceeds from high spirits, 
than such as we had been accustomed to for some 
time past in the Assembly. 

" Not a word from the Mountain. They are quiet ; 
and I hope have been so completely overcome as to 
put an end to them. 

" All Paris is charmed. A smile of satisfaction is 
marked in every face, and seems to say, ' We are once 
more secure in our lives and property.' The first 



THOMAS HANDASYD TERKINS. 87 

politicians are of opinion that the triumph of the 
12th Germinal is only second to the 9th Thermidor ; 
on which day the system of terror was thrown 
down, and those who planted it sacrificed to the 
manes of those who were martyrs to it. I think it a 
very politic thing in the Assembly not to have shed 
the blood of those who so richly deserved it as Bar- 
rere and his colleagues in iniquity. It would have 
been dangerous to have got the guillotine again in 
operation. Their blood was loudly demanded by the 
people, and it was supposed' they would not have been 
able to have got three leagues from Paris without 
attempts upon their lives ; and I yet am of opinion 
they will be assassinated on the road. 
~ " I observed, in coming from the hall of the Conven- 
tion last evening (at eleven o'clock), what had before 
escaped my observation; which was, the standards 
which have been taken during the present war, and 
which are preserved there as trophies of the victories 
gained. 

"15th. — Went with Mr. J. Russell this morning 
to Ablens, which is about three leagues from Paris, to 
see his purchase of a house, or rather chateau. It is 
built in an elegant style, has between thirty and forty 
rooms, and nearly seventeen acres of ground, covered 
with five thousand trees. The whole is walled in, 
with stables for thirty horses, an ice-house, and indeed 
all a man wants in buildings, with very handsome 
furniture ; and, for the whole of this, he is to pay two 
hundred and thirty-five thousand livres, — equal to 
about one thousand guineas in gold. Its vicinity to 



88 MEMOiu or 

the river, too, gives it great advantages. The ride 
from Paris to Choisy, where is a palace of Louis, the 
late king, is as rich as cultivation and a naturally fine 
country can make it. The Seine, running through a 
level country sowed with grain, without a hedge or 
fence to intercept the sight, bounded by a ridge of 
hills, which are under no less cultivation than the 
plains, interspersed with chateaux at small distances 
from each other, and rows of trees trimmed with 
great taste, — all together form as fine a scene as the 
fancy can paint. The gardener and his little family 
seem delighted with the prospect of having their 
new lord. This is not to be wondered at ; for he has 
so much openness of countenance, that one need not 
have studied Lavater to trace the goodness of his 
heart in his features. Each vied with the other to 
serve us ; and they seemed to be quite as happy as we 
were. They were entirely ignorant of the late agita- 
tions of Paris, and seemed to know of nothing but what 
had taken place within their garden walls. Happy 
people ! long may you taste the pleasures of content- 
ment ! They were not discontented, I dare say, with 
our visit ; and I have no doubt of the sincerity with 
which they wished the pleasure of seeing us again. 
The good woman told us, that, if we had no objection, 
she would improve the opportunity of our carriage to 
go and see one of her children, who was at a couple 
of miles' distance. We willingly gave our consent; 
and she mounted the coach-box beside the driver, 
happier and more contented than we who were within, 
if we might judge by her countenance, which I have 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 89 

generally found to be a very good criterion, particu- 
larly with persons in her rank of life. 

" There are many country-seats to be sold in France, 
at this moment, for very little more in paper than they 
were worth in specie a few years since. The riddle is 
solved when one is told that an assignat is a tender 
for the payment of debts contracted in specie before 
the war, or at any time since. The justice of this can 
only be supported on the same principle with the 
same fact in the American war, — necessity. 

" In coming to town yesterday, we observed with plea- 
sure that all the windmills in the neighborhood were 
going ; which we take for certain evidence of a supply 
of wheat. In driving through the streets yesterday, I 
was much distressed to see the crowds of women who 
surrounded the bakers' shops. They go there in the 
night, and some of them tarry half the next day, to 
get the scanty pittance of half, and sometimes a quar- 
ter, of a pound of bread. This, to people who were 
in the habit of eating from two to four pounds of 
bread per diem, is a great and serious evil. The con- 
ception they have of the word ' equality ' was evidenced 
towards us ; for, when we were passing the crowds, 
they several times observed, ' This is equality,' point- 
ing to us. They had an idea that every one was to be 
put upon a footing in point of fortune, as well as in 
being governed by equal laws, which a certain class 
in the community could not trample on with im- 
punity. 

" 16th. — The morning overcast. This is Sunday; 
and, if the weather should prove pleasant, I intend 

12 



90 MEMOIR OF 

going to hear Mass. Great numbers of shops are 
shut up this day, and many people are going to 
Mass. Went to see Madame de La Fayette: found 
her lodged in an obscure hotel, and up three flights 
of stairs. She seems to be much disturbed in mind 
by her misfortunes. May He who rewards the vir- 
tuous ease her situation, and make her happy ! 

"17th. — This day, went to see the Pantheon, 
which is celebrated as one of the first buildings of 
the kind in Europe. Of this I am no judge : I can 
only say, that it as far surpasses every thing I have 
ever seen before as it is possible to conceive. Its 
height, to the upper part of the dome, is three hun- 
dred and eighty French feet; and from its top all 
Paris is to be seen, and affords one of the most en- 
chanting scenes in nature. This building is entirely 
of stone: not an inch of wood is there from top to 
bottom of it. In the vault under it, which runs along 
the whole extent of the building, are deposited the 
remains of Rousseau and Voltaire. The monuments 
wdiich contain them are in wood: they are to be 
wrought in marble, and will be the finest monuments 
in the world, we are told. The body of Marat was 
deposited here by a decree of the National Conven- 
tion ; but it is now taken out, as unworthy of such a 
place. Le Pelletier was also, by a decree, placed 
there ; but, after Marat was displaced, the friends of 
Le Pelletier thought fit to remove his ashes also. A 
late decree of the Convention forbids the placing or 
raising a monument to the memory of any one there 
until ten years after his demise. This was occasioned 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 91 

by the error they were led into respecting the charac- 
ter of Marat, which will be handed down in France 
as disgraceful to humanity. The sculpture in the 
Pantheon is very fine. There are a great number of 
workmen now occupied in finishing it ; but it will not 
be completed for several years, although it was begun 
forty-two years ago. 

" Guineas, this day, one hundred and eighty-two 
to one hundred and eighty-five livres. 

" 18th. — Bread is getting more plenty than it has 
been, to the joy of every one. Went this evening 
and saw the opera of Castor and Pollux. The scenery 
is superb, and the singing enchanting. The dancing, 
as usual there, surpassed any thing of the sort in the 
world. Both Hell and the Elysian Fields are repre- 
sented in this piece, and come up to one's ideas of 
both the one and the other. The orchestra was com- 
posed this evening of eighty-three performers ; and, 
in the course of the evening, there were between two 
and three hundred persons on the stage, — as dancers, 
soldiers, &c. 

" 20th Decadi. — This day, having no business in 
town, I went with Russell and Higginson three or 
four miles out of town to see a country-house which 
was owned by the Count d'Artois. It is said to have 
been completed in sixty days from its commencement, 
upon a wager he laid. It is built in a fanciful and 
pretty style. The gardens are as romantic as possi- 
ble ; and the view from some parts of the house 
beautiful, particularly of Mount Calvary, which, from 
its appearance, seems better entitled to the name of 



92 MEMOIR OF 

paradise than to the one it bears, — for it is under the 
highest possible cultivation, — and from its summit 
must afford a delightful view of Paris and its neigh- 
borhood. This seat of the count's is said to have 
been built by desire of the late queen, and is called 
' the queen's bagatelle.' It is, and ever will be, an 
eternal monument of the depravity of his mind, from 
the disgraceful figures which are meant to adorn one 
of the chambers, with which every person not lost to 
sense of common decency must be exceedingly dis- 
gusted. 

" The Bois de Boulogne is an immense forest, which 
extends several miles in circumference, quite to the 
borders of Paris, and, I am told, is much frequented 
in summer. The want of fuel last winter, in conse- 
quence of the rivers being frozen, and preventing the 
boats from coming down river, obliged the Conven- 
tion to cut down a large part of this delightful wood, 
to keep the poor from suffering. 

" 21st. — There is not yet an increase of bread ; 
and the peasants are said to occasion the scarcity at 
Paris by stopping the wagons to supply their own 
wants. The weather is becoming pleasant in the ex- 
treme. This day, received letters from Boston, of 
date of 7th February. Visited the Hospital of the 
Invalids, and found it very beautiful. There is an 
immense dome to the building, in the centre of four 
smaller ones, all lighted from on high, and decorated 
with paintings from the first hands. The chapel is 
magnificent ; but its chief ornament, the pulpit, is 
demolished. The elegant figures and pillars which 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 93 

adorned it are still there, — monuments of what it was. 
The chapel, which is an immense hall, as well as the 
floors of the domes, is in marble, elegantly inlaid 
with beautiful figures. They are occupied in effacing 
the fieiirs de lis and other emblems of former times. 
The inner court of the Invalids is very spacious in- 
deed ; the whole on an immense scale. We were 
shown the tables where the invalids dine. They were 
kept in very neat order ; and the pewter cans shone 
like silver. When one contemplates the causes which 
have produced the misfortunes of those people, or of 
most of them, and traces them to the ambition of kings, 
or tyrants under other names, he is led to wish that 
all the world would have the resolution to throw off the 
yoke, and enlist under a republican government, where 
all does not depend upon the caprice of a single villain, 
but upon the voice of the people. The invalids are 
well clothed, and appear very civil. We were not 
once attacked for money while we were there ; which 
I thought something surprising. 

" I took a walk upon Montmartre, an eminence 
just outside the Barriere of Paris. It commands one 
of the richest scenes I ever witnessed. The whole 
extent of Paris, and the country for leagues round, is 
open to view. The Seine, with its windings, heightens 
the beauty of the scene very much. The beauty of 
the style of cultivation, both in the fields and in the 
gardens, is enchanting. One of the telegraphs is on 
the summit of Montmartre ; and one more is in plain 
sight towards the east. 

" The preliminaries of peace with Prussia are this 



94 MEMOIR OF 

day announced to the Convention, and give pleasure 
to every one. Spain, too, is said to be doing the same. 
In consequence of this news, guineas, which were 
yesterday two hundred and twenty, are this afternoon 
one hundred and eighty. 

" 23d. — Continuance of the fine weather. No defi- 
nite answer respecting our unsettled business ; but I 
am led to hope something, from several claims having 
been lately settled. 

" In passing by one of the telegraphs which is situ- 
ated on the old Louvre, I found it in operation. It is 
often used to communicate intelligence to and from the 
army and the diiFerent parts of the Republic. Every 
different position of the machinery remains stationary 
until it is taken off by the one next to it, which is on 
Montmartre, about a mile distant. It is certainly a 
wonderful invention, and does great credit to the pro- 
jector. It communicates any event with great rapidi- 
ty, though not in detail. 

" 24th. — The morning rainy. We had yesterday 
the very unpleasant information of a declaration of 
war by the Emperor of Morocco against the- United 
States of America. This stroke, it appears, is not 
aimed particularly at the American States, but at all 
those powers which have not consuls at the court of 
Morocco, among which we are comprised. 

" Paris is quite tranquil. The energy shown by the 
Convention on the late occasion has awed the lower 
class of people into respect for them. Strong guards 
have been sent into the country to escort the teams 
charged with provisions for Paris, which have been 



THOMAS HANDASYU PERKINS. 95 

frequently interrupted in the neighborhood, to supply 
the wants of the inhabitants. The. Convention has 
lately done itself the highest honor in passing a decree 
for restoring to the heirs of the former owners all the 
estates of those persons who suffered unjustly during 
the reign of Robespierre. By this righteous decree, 
thousands of widows, and children who mourn a mur- 
dered father, and many a parent whose heart is rent 
by the loss of a darling child, are in a degree relieved, 
not only by the opprobrium being no longer fixed to 
their memories of having been enemies to liberty, but 
by their being, on the contrary, now regarded as mar- 
tyrs for its glorious name. In some instances, families 
who had the distress of poverty in addition to their 
other sufferings are now restored to easy circumstances, 
and in many cases to affluence. 

" Exchange for louis two hundred and fourteen. 

" 25th. — The morning overcast. I dined this day 
with Mr. Murray, at the Maison de Grange Batelliere. 
This, I think, is more pleasantly situated than any 
house in Paris which is occupied as a hotel. In 
walking through the streets of Paris, one would be 
led to suppose that every foot of ground in the city 
was covered with buildings. This is, however, far from 
being the fact; and I was much astonished to find 
that some houses, which appeared from a front view to 
have appertaining to each only the land it stood upon, 
have large and elegant gardens in the rear, laid out 
with all imaginable taste, and as spacious as one could 
wish. It is the same with the external appearance of 
most of the houses. They have very unpromising 



96 MEMOIR OF 

exteriors ; but many which bear this appearance are 
decorated inside like palaces. 

" Several of the National Convention dined with us 
to-day. Pelet was very inquisitive about our com- 
merce, and seemed anxious to know if it was our 
opinion that we should be largely connected with the 
French after the war. This, I have no doubt, will be 
the fact, and that it will be advantageous to us in a 
great degree. He tells me that the quantity of wheat 
raised in France was never equal to its wants ; and 
that, although considerable flour was shipped to their 
colonies before the war, this was more than counter- 
balanced by the importations from the States of Bar- 
bary and the islands in the Mediterranean ; and that 
wheat, in the best of times, was always worth twelve 
livres tournois in specie per quintal. This would 
give a good peace freight from America. 

" 26th — I have been this day gratified, much be- 
yond the expectation I had formed, in a visit to Ver- 
sailles. We passed through the beautiful town of St. 
Cloud, where is one of the most neat palaces in 
Europe. This was the favorite residence of the 
queen; and here she expended a great deal of the 
treasure of the nation. We did not stop to examine 
this building, or its beautiful cascades and sheets of 
water, with which, and parks, avenues, statues and 
other sculpture, it abounds. 

" The road to Versailles is paved, and kept in excellent 
order ; and the whole distance to it from Paris, which 
is about ten miles, was always lighted, under the old 
government, over night. This expense and unneces- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 97 

sary piece of luxury and extravagance is now dispensed 
with. 

" On every side is seen the labor which has been 
expended upon this country by its former lords, to 
accommodate every thing to their convenience. It is 
very common to see a crossway which must have been 
raised at the expense of hundreds of thousands, mere- 
ly to save the descent into a valley, and make the road 
quite on a level. 

" There are several small villages in the route ; but 
none afford any thing very striking in appearance, 
except the one before mentioned. 

" The city of Versailles contained, before the revo- 
lution, a hundred thousand inhabitants ; by which one 
may judge of its extent. It takes up, however, much 
more space than cities of that number of inhabitants 
in general in France, on account of the great width 
of the streets, which are all beautifully adorned with 
rows of trees. There are three streets which termi- 
nate in front of the palace. They run in a triangular 
direction, and have a very pretty effect from the palace. 
When I say the front, I write as it struck me on first 
seeing it. Its appearance is majestic, and excites 
astonishment. After passing half an hour in what 
I thought the front of the palace, I was undeceived, 
and told that this was the rear ; which, upon going 
towards the gardens, I soon found to be the case. 
The stables belonging to the palace are situated be- 
tween the three roads before mentioned; the centre 
one of which leads to Paris, and is for a long way 

13 



98 MEMOIR OF 

broad, and adorned with trees. The extent of the 
stables is wonderful. They are built (as is the case 
everywhere in France) of stone. The railing of iron 
in front of them is a very masterpiece of workman- 
ship ; and it has all the appurtenances of a stable, 
such as curry-combs, shears, whips, halters, &c., in- 
terwoven in it in the same metal, and must contain 
a great quantity of iron. I am astonished to see so 
much of this metal left untouched. It is certainly a 
proof of their being not much in want of it for the 
operations of the war ; as they would not have hesi- 
tated to appropriate it, as they did that in the Gardens 
of the Tuileries. 

" In the Petites Ecuries there is preparation for six 
hundred horses ; and in the Grandes Ecuries, for four- 
teen hundred. The distinction of great and small sta- 
bles has arisen from the addition made by Louis XVI., 
wherein eight hundred horses more may now be ac- 
commodated than there was room for in the old stables. 
In the Grandes Ecuries there is a riding-school, where 
the Hussars and other gens d'armes practise, riding 
every day from nine to twelve o'clock. There remain 
one hundred and twenty horses of the late king, 
amongst which are some very beautiful ones. There 
is one of his favorite riding-horses — a dapple-white — 
yet there. I was a little surprised that Jacobinism had 
not carried its frenzy even to the destruction of this 
beast, as it did to many others. The horses are in 
excellent order. Although they have very little grain, 
they are in as good case as one could wish. In Octo- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 99 

ber, 1792, there were twelve hundred horses in these 
stables, many of which have died of honorable wounds 
in the cause of freedom and France. 

" In the yards in front of the stables there is room 
to draw up as many horses in line of battle as the 
stables will hold. It is finely paved, and kept very 
neat. Between the stables and the Place d' Armes is an 
extensive common ; and several roads, leading to dif- 
ferent cities, cut it at all angles. The Place d' Armes, 
or large court in rear of the palace, has ap. iron rail- 
ing round it, and is large enough to contain several 
regiments of men drawn up. 

" The stairs leading to the queen's apartments are 
entirely of marble, richly inlaid in various colors, and 
must astonish every one who contemplates the amaz- 
ing expense incurred. However, eighty millions ster- 
ling will, to be sure, go a great way ; and this is the sum 
said to have been laid out by Louis XIV. only, upon the 
city of Versailles. The apartments are now in a very 
wretched state, being deprived of their tapestry and 
furniture of every kind. The ceilings of the rooms, 
which still are quite unimpaired, convey to the mind 
what the whole must have once been, to be on a par 
with this part of them. Elegant sculpture and paint- 
ings from the first hands adorn every one of them. 

" You are shown a very beautiful apartment in every 
fine house in France, which is called the dressing- 
chamber. This is always lined with looking-glasses, 
and is the most highly furnished chamber in the house. 
In one of the palaces of Versailles there is a recess 
formed to receive a sofa. The sides and back of this 



100 MEMOIR OF 

recess are entirely in looking-glass; and it is so ar- 
ranged, that two persons looking into the side-glasses 
see themselves multiplied one hundred and twenty 
times. This has given rise to many stories, much to 
the prejudice of the late queen. The suite of rooms 
in the king's apartments, known by the names, Hall 
of War, the Hall of Peace, of Hercules, of Bac- 
chus, &c., are adorned with some of the first paintings 
the world can now boast of The grand gallery is 
the tout ensemble of all that is delightful. There are 
nine large paintings, and eighteen small ones, repre- 
senting the conquests of Louis XIV. They are done 
by the first masters of the times ; and the likenesses of 
Louis, Turenne, and the principal actors of the times, 
are preserved with great nicety. From all these 
rooms, the views of the gardens surpass what the most 
lively imagination could paint. 

"From this suite we were taken to a beautiful 
chapel appertaining to the palace. The emblems of 
royalty are not yet effaced in this place, — the only 
one where I remember to have seen them remaining 
in France. The private chapel of the royal family is 
in the gallery of this chapel. Here they said Mass 
when ill. 

" The Opera House is said to be the first in the 
world. It has the remains of former magnificence, 
but is very much injured since the revolution. 

" The pile of buildings of the palace with its appur- 
tenances is astonishing. Where the Gardes du Roi 
were once lodged, are established national workshops 
in cannon and small-arms. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 101 

" To give one an idea of the Gardens of the 
Palace, and the scale upon which they are laid out, 
it is enough to say that there are upwards of one 
thousand of large orange-trees in the greenhouse, some 
of which, we were assured, are nearly five hundred 
years old. 

" 30th. — This day, arrived James Carter from 
Havre, and handed me a number of letters, which 
gave comfort to my soul. 

" The Convention is said to have discovered a plot, 
at the head of which were Cambon and the other 
Jacobins who were of the Convention, and who have 
done every thmg to produce an insurrection and stir 
up a disturbance in Paris. To effect this, they are 
said to have taken measures to stop the arrival of 
grain ; and have distributed money amongst the mal- 
contents, to aid them in their deeds of darkness. 
They intended to have cut off the present ruling 
members of the Convention ; and, that they might 
bring the royalists into their party, they intended to 
establish young Capet on the throne. All this has 
been discovered ; and the authors or the heads of the 
party are called upon to come to the Convention and 
vindicate themselves, or they are deemed convicted 
and sentenced to transportation. 

"Floreal 1st. — This day I accompanied my friend, 
J. Russell, to the Croix de Berney, on his way to Havre. 
The day pleasant. Guineas, two hundred and twenty. 

2d. — The day overcast. Exchange, two hundred 
and thirty. Bread a little more plenty; and it is hoped 
that it will continue so. 



102 MEMOIR OF 

" 3d and 4th. — Pleasant weather. All quiet at 
Paris. 

" 5th. — The alternate rain and sunshine, which 
have been in constant succession for some time past, 
promise an abundant harvest; which will be very 
necessary for the happiness of the inhabitants of 
France. It is said that Spain has made a treaty of 
peace with this Republic ; in which case, there remain 
only England and the Emperor to sustain the coming 
campaign. James Carter left Paris for Havre this 
day. Guineas, two hundred and forty to two hundred 
and thirty-seven. 

" 6th. — Yesterday was announced to the Conven- 
tion a peace with a large body of people who have 
been a long time in insurrection in Normandy and 
the neighborhood. They were known under the 
name of Chouans, from their leader's name. This is 
a very important event. The civil war has cost the 
Republic oceans of blood and millions of money. 
The indiscreet decrees respecting religion were the 
cause of all this mischief; and fanaticism could not 
bear the shock. Revolt was the consequence ; and the 
malcontents were joined by all the others in the Re- 
public, whether from religious or other motives, and 
the combined force became very potent. The lower 
class of Chouans have committed great enormities, — 
murdering and robbing in every part of the country 
where they have been. The mails which were obliged 
to pass in the neighborhood went under a strong 
escort, and were often attacked. A cockade of the 
nation was enough to insure death. Those, therefore. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. * 103 

who passed the road, took the precaution to leave any 
thing of the kind behind, and to adopt a cross in 
the place of this badge. Guineas, two hundred and 
thirty-seven. 

" 7th. — The Convention have this day decreed that 
specie shall be considered as merchandise, and that 
every one may exchange assignats against it. A few 
months since, it would have cost a Frenchman his 
head to have been detected in making a diiference 
between assignats and specie. As this will bring 
people out who were before afraid of doing any thing 
in this way, it is supposed that there will be a great 
call in the market for specie, and that it will rise very 
much. Another circumstance, which will tend very 
much to occasion a fall of the paper, is that the As- 
sembly has decreed to pay all specie contracts in paper 
at the exchange. This will throw a vast quantity of 
paper into the market; and I should not be astonished 
if it were refused altogether. Some of our country- 
men have half a million of dollars in specie due. 
This will make a great sum at the present exchange. 

"This day, Messrs. Codman, Deblois, and myself 
went to see the famous manufacture of porcelain at 
Sevres, about seven miles from Paris. The building 
is very large, and surrounded by gardens under the 
highest cultivation, and magnificent country-seats. 
The porcelain made at Sevres has the reputation of 
being the finest in the world. Some pieces there have 
no price, particularly two pictures painted on china, 
which are celebrated as masterpieces of the art. The 
excellence of this is that their colors can never pass 



104 MEMOIR OF 

away ; and, although these pieces have been painted a 
number of years, they are as fresh as if the production 
of yesterday. They are to have a place in the Museum. 
The great vase is the largest piece of china ever made 
there, and is immensely valuable. We were shown 
cups which cost several guineas each in the best of 
times. For one service of porcelain which was dis- 
played, they asked one hundred and fifty thousand 
livres; and, as they do not add on these valuable 
articles more than fifty per cent upon the old prices, 
this must have been valued at nearly twenty thousand 
dollars before the revolution. 

" We were shown the process ; and, indeed, saw the 
clay moulded, and a plate made in a very short time. 
We were carried through the rooms where the dif- 
ferent parts of the work are completed, and were 
much amused. There were a great number employed 
in painting; and in one room there were none but 
women, who were also painting and burnishing. The 
manufactory is extensive, and formerly employed a 
great many people. It was a royal manufactory, 
and is now national property. The rooms where 
the china is displayed are extensive, and the care 
taken of them is great. Codman and I bought a 
number of trifles. In the route from Paris to Sevres, 
there is a bottle manufactory, which made upwards 
of four thousand bottles per diem. The want of 
charcoal now stops the business entirely. This even- 
ing, guineas are two hundred and fifty to two hun- 
dred and sixty, and rising. 

" 8th. — The morning promises a finer day than we 



THOMAS HANDA3YD PERKINS. 105 

have had for some time past. This day I visited the 
celebrated Gobelin manufactory of tapestry, about a 
mile and a half from the Palais d'Egalite, and within 
the walls of the city. The buildings that contain 
these masterpieces of excellence are large and nu- 
merous. They have the appearance of great age ; 
and the people we conversed with know nothing 
about the time when the factory was established, or 
whether the buildings were originally occupied in the 
present way. Before the revolution, this was a royal 
manufactory, and is now national property. The 
number of people employed there before the present 
war were one hundred ; but that number is now de- 
creased to sixty; and forty, having been of the first 
requisition, are now on the frontiers, or have gone 
where they learn war no more. The looms, and 
indeed the apartments, of this manufactory do not 
accord with the exquisite delicacy of the employment, 
but, on the contrary, mark the greatest contrast pos- 
sible. Overhung with cobwebs, and in other particu- 
lars very much neglected, they speak the poverty of 
the factory. The people employed here have from 
five to eight livres a day in paper, and nourish them- 
selves. The copies from which the weavers work are 
among the first paintings in the world, in point of 
elegance, and the productions of the most celebrated 
masters. The copy is placed behind the weaver ; and, 
as he manages his colors, he takes the tints of what- 
ever he wishes to imitate with his eye, and makes 
choice of his silk or worsted in conformity. The 
most elegant painting does not exceed some of the 

14 



106 MEMOIR OF 

work now there ; and at a little distance cannot be dis- 
tinguished from it, unless by a very critical eye. Some 
of the pictures exhibited in the chambers above ex- 
ceed what the liveliest fancy can imagine. Mr. Trum- 
bull is of opinion that the weaver must have much 
more merit than the first copy-painter can have. 
There is one kind of this tapestry which is placed 
horizontally; and, the back of the picture being up- 
permost, the face is not seen until it is taken out of 
the loom, which is sometimes four years from its com- 
mencement. The colors are all in worsted or silk ; 
the brightest are of the latter ; and they are worked 
in so as not to be distinguishable in the picture. 
There are several pieces, which are yet unfinished, 
which were begun before the revolution. They are 
historical pieces ; and, as they contain the figures of 
Louis XIV. and other monarchs, whose deeds they 
are meant to record, they have not been worked upon 
for some time ; and I am surprised that they were not 
destroyed at the time when every thing of the kind, 
however valuable from its workmanship, and however 
much it ought to have been respected on account of 
the arts, was sacrificed by the Vandals who bore the 
sway under Robespierre. There were no pieces of 
the tapestry which were within the reach of my purse. 
In returning from Gobelin, we stopped at the ci-devant 
Jardin du Roi. It is laid out with admirable taste, and 
is open to every one who pleases to walk there. In 
the centre is a pond and an enclosure, in which there 
are a great number of rare birds. We saw here a 
lion, a tiger, several kinds of monkeys, and two white 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 



107 



bears : these last are from Greenland. They are large, 
and appear ferocious. The lion is perfectly good- 
humored; but the tiger is all that can be expected 
from that animal ; and my blood chilled as I observed 
him. One of the monkeys is remarkably large, and is 
as dangerous as the tiger himself. At this garden 
(now called the Garden of Plants) there are a great 
number of natural curiosities, preserved in a long, 
elegant building, which we had not time to visit, and 
with which I flatter myself with the prospect of 
another hour of pleasure before I leave France. 

" 9th. — Rainy and unpleasant. Assignats depre- 
ciating very fast, and reminding us of our old conti- 
nental paper. 

" 10th. — Went to the manufacture of porcelain in 
the E-ue du Temple. Saw a great deal of china of 
most delightful fabric, which led me into some ex- 
travagances. 

" 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. — Cloudy and unplea- 
sant weather, which confined me pretty much to the 
house. Guineas rise to three hundred and forty to 
three hundred and fifty." 

Although a short account has already been given * 
of the execution of Fouquier Tinville and others, 
written from memory in the autobiographical sketch 
dated at Saratoga, in July, 1846, — more than half a 
century after the occurrence, — the entire description 
of the scene, given in a diary kept at the time, is 
here inserted, as the details convey some further in- 

* Page 56. 



108 MEMOIR OF 

formation in regard to the state of public feeling 
in Paris. 

" 17th. — This day the accusateiir-general under 
Robespierre, after a trial of nearly three months, was 
convicted of having caused the death of the innocent 
and helpless, and was condemned to suffer death, with 
sixteen of the jury who were partners in his guilt. 
The public indignation against this man is very great ; 
and I believe, that, had he not been offered up as a 
sacrifice to appease the multitude, they would have 
vented their ire somewhere else. Old persons who 
had passed the hour of conspiracy, and young ones 
who had not arrived at it, shared the same fate under 
the judgment of this monster. Women who were far 
advanced in pregnancy met a smilar fate ; and no sex, 
age, or condition, was respected by this greatest of 
wretches. The fairness shown in his trial does honor 
to the tribunal, and is a great contrast to the proceed- 
ings at the tribunal where he brought forward his 
accusations. Fifty to sixty in a day were sacrificed to 
the malice of this monster, who seemed to delight in 
the slaughter he was administering. It was expected 
he would be guillotined at four o'clock this day ; and 
great numbers were out to see him pay the debt due 
to justice. They were disappointed. To-morrow he 
dies, so Gen. Menard tells me. I shall be unfeeling 
enough to visit the place of execution. Louis, three 
hundred and twenty-five. 

" 18th. — At ten o'clock this day, Mr. Russell and 
myself went to the Place de Greve, where there were 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 109 

already some thousands of persons collected to see 
the execution of the condemned Fouquier Tinville 
and his co-accuses. The fatal instrument was erected ; 
and the windows of every house were thronged with 
females, who had come to the exhibition ; while places 
in the neighboring houses were in such request, that 
fifty livres were paid for the privilege of going into a 
chamber near which was placed the guillotine. The 
number of women present on such an occasion struck 
me with disgust, and at the same time commanded 
my pity, when I reflected upon the cause of the indif- 
ference with which exhibitions of the kind are seen at 
Paris, which undoubtedly has arisen from their fre- 
quency. The patrols were many ; and the populace 
were kept at a distance from the guillotine by the 
chasseurs., who were on guard this day. There was 
scarcely a face that did not wear a smile ; and anxiety 
was marked on the countenance of every one, but of 
a different kind from what is visible at executions 
with us ; for it seemed to be expressive of a wish that 
the criminals would arrive, that they might feast upon 
the sight of blood. Such have been the crimes of 
those men, and particularly of Fouquier Tinville, 
who was attorney-general during the horrid executions 
under the monster Robespierre, that it is not to be 
wondered at that all France called for their lives to 
appease the manes of those poor wretches who had 
been precipitated into eternity with all their sins upon 
their heads, many without even an accusation, or, if 
accused, never having an opportunity to defend them- 
selves. 



110 MEMOIR OF 

" This same Fouquier was not contented with the 
sacrifice of a few, but has frequently had condemned 
and executed from thirty to forty within three hours. 
Whenever there were any trials to come on in the 
morning, the guillotine was placed, and the wagons 
brought, upon the presumption that there would be 
use for both. Under these circumstances, I say, it is 
not to be wondered at that the people wished they 
might expiate their crimes with their lives; but to 
insult misery is brutal and unfeeling. 

"At a quarter before eleven o'clock, the cavalry 
made its appearance ; and soon followed three carts, in 
which were the prisoners, — all of them seated in the 
carts. They had their hair cut short, and their hands 
tied behind them, and were covered with loose great- 
coats. They were seated with their backs to the 
horses ; and I observed, that, as soon as the carts 
turned the corner to come into the square, they looked 
towards the instrument which was to deprive them of 
life. 

" As soon as they appeared, there was a general clap 
of triumph. For my own part, I expected to have 
sunk under the oppression which I felt : the reflection 
upon the fate of thousands, many of whom were as 
innocent of the crimes with which they were charged 
as I was, the idea of the misery into which the dis- 
tressed families of those who had suffered had been 
precipitated, — all served to depress my spirits, and 
make me repent my curiosity, and wish myself at my 
lodgings. 

"The present accusafeur-puhlic of the Revolution- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. Ill 

ary Tribunal preceded the cavalcade in a coach, which 
was followed by a very strong guard of horse, and 
then the wagons which bore the condemned. 

" When arrived at the fatal spot, they descended 
from the carts, some of them with a spring, showing 
as little concern as if they had come there on a party 
of pleasure ; and some, as they descended, eying the 
machine for some time, but with great coolness. I was 
about twenty paces from the stage, and had an opera- 
glass, which gave me an opportunity to see every fea- 
ture with great distinctness. The cart which was first 
unloaded drove up to the side of the stage upon which 
the guillotine is placed, and a basket about seven feet 
long was fastened into it. When these arrangements 
were made, and all the prisoners on the ground, the 
first victim was Pierre Louis Le Roy, one of the 
revolutionary jury. He was a ci-devant marquis, and 
had taken the name of Tenth of August. As soon 
as he had mounted, which was done with a resolute 
step and a determined look, he began to speak ; but 
the murmurs prevented his being heard; and, the 
executioners paying no attention to his wishes to 
speak, he was thrust under the fatal knife, which 
severed his head in the twinkling of an eye. The 
inhuman and unfeeling conduct of the execution- 
ers is beyond description. One takes the bloody 
head, and the other handles the mangled corpse, 
with as little ceremony as one would a beast at a 
slaughter-house. They are both thrown (not laid) 
into the large basket ; the axe is again hoisted up, 
and another victim brought forward. The principal 



112 MEMOIR OF 

part of the number executed were of a middle age. 
Amongst them were three of the former judges, one 
president, and eight of the jurors of the Revolution- 
ary Tribunal. The remainder were also subalterns in 
that fatal tribunal; and, if this prompt machine of 
death ever did pure justice, it is the general opinion 
that it did it this day. 

" Several of the criminals looked with indignation 
on the spectators, and uttered something which we 
could not hear ; three, particularly, would not let the 
executioners hold their heads down, that the axe might 
have the fairer opportunity of doing its duty without 
mangling. They looked on each side, as their heads 
were precipitated through the fatal hole, and seemed 
to bid defiance to death. They all walked up to the 
board against which they are tied with great firmness, 
and looked round with perfect composure. 

" Fouquier, as being the most culpable, was kept 
until the last, and must have suffered ' a thousand 
deaths in seeing those suffer who went before him. 
When he mounted, he had an air of disdain upon his 
countenance, and seemed to bid defiance to the king 
of terrors. He also spoke ; but I was unable to hear 
what |he said. This sight, which (however vile the 
criminals) one would suppose could have been seen 
by no one without emotion, was looked upon by those 
who were about me with all the indifference imagina- 
ble ; and the women who were in the chamber where 
I was, witnessed it with as little feeling as a block of 
marble would have had. The clap of applause at a 
moment like this is to my mind disgraceful, and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 113 

shows the depravity of the minds of those who exhibit 
such signs of triumph. In fourteen minutes from the 
time when the first criminal was brought upon the 
stage, the last head was in the basket ; and in this 
time there were at least two minutes lost in changing 
the basket, as one was full of bodies, and was drawn 
ofi", and another was brought alongside the stage to 
receive the remainder; so that, if the first basket 
would have held the whole, this operation upon the 
sixteen would have been performed in twelve minutes. 
The expedition with which it is completed is the only 
thing in which there is the smallest show of humani^ 
ty. The .body does not move ; not a spasm can be 
seen to contract it. The last person is always the 
one esteemed most culpable; and his head is taken 
up with the most brutal indifference, and shown to 
the spectators all round the scaffold. The sight of 
the mangled corpses, the heads drenched in blood, 
and the hard-heartedness of the people, make this the 
most awful spectacle one can imagine. The execution- 
ers were as bloody as butchers, and quite as indifferent 
as our beef-dealers are when cutting up the ox they 
have slaughtered. Notwithstanding the horror of this 
sight, I do not repent having been witness to it. I 
had never thought it possible for people to meet death 
with so much indifference. It has become so familiar 
to them that they think nothing of it, even when they 
are the victims. I tarried until the mob had gone off, 
and saw the machine washed down, while gallons of 
blood were streaming from it. It is dangerous to 
familiarize the public to exhibitions of this kind. 

15 



114 MEMOIR OF 

I know this by my own feelings ; for certain I am 
that my emotion decreased with every head that 
fell. 

" 19th. — Pleasant weather. 

" 20th. — This day, went to Ablens sur Seine, to 
the place bought by Russell and Higginson. The 
country is becoming charming ; the crops promise 
well ; and all nature seems to rejoice. 

" Guineas, three hundred and seventy. 

" 21st. — Very pleasant, and the weather becoming 
warm. We are told that the infamous Lebon, whose 
cruelties have exceeded those of Nero himself, is soon 
to be tried ; and his life will end on the Place de 
Greve, sans doute. 

" To-morrow I set off for Holland with Messrs. 
E-ussell and Jeffrey." 

The following extracts from the journal kept by so 
careful and intelligent an observer, while travelling 
through a portion of France and Holland, will pro- 
bably be found interesting. They contain his remarks 
on the manners of the people there in the last cen- 
tury; on the devastation of war, then recent, with 
descriptions of fortified places of great strength, 
though far inferior to that which is now the object 
of the grand struggle in the Crimea; and on the 
agriculture and general appearance of the country. 
They relate further incidents, too, in the suppression 
of the last struggles for the system which had pre- 
vailed in the reign of terror, and which finally expired 
in one trial and execution of a deeply tragic character, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 115 

the report of which, by an eye-witness, will be found 
to confirm the statement of historians : — 

"1795. —.This 11th of May, left Paris at one 
o'clock, in company with Mr. J. Russell, of Boston, 
and Mr. Jeffrey, also of that place, for a journey to 
Holland. Notwithstanding the many charms which 
Paris has for people in general, I confess I never took 
my leave of a place in my life with less regret. . . . The 
accounts which a stranger has to settle with all about 
him, when he leaves any place in France where he 
has resided any considerable time, are not of the most 
pleasant kind. These are with the domestiques of 
every department, which are not few. They all make 
up their minds that they ought to receive a certain 
sum ; but, trusting to your generosity that they shall 
be overpaid if it be left to yourself, they make no 
direct demand. Now, if one can agree in calculation 
with the amount they make up to themselves, it will 
always be best to pay a little over than a sou under 
it, as by this single action you are to be judged ; and 
should you give them less than the sum they think 
strictly their due, or even that sum only, all the good 
actions of your life will not save you from the epithet 
which you will have applied to you in their minds, of 
Oest mi miserable. An acquaintance with this fact 
has perhaps saved us from coming under this de- 
scription ; and a few livres entitled us to Ce sont de 
braves gens^ and a thousand Dieu vous benisse, from 
all around us. 

" From the accounts we have received of the bad- 



116 MEMOIR OF 

ness of the attendance at the post-houses, we antici- 
pated much trouble in procuring post-horses. And, 
indeed, we made a bad beginning ; for, upon sending 
to the Post House at Paris, we found we could not 
have horses there for two days ; and we were therefore 
obliged to take our horses, which we had driven in 
Paris, out to Bourget, which is three leagues from 
Paris. I had never passed the Barriere, which takes 
us out to this place ; and, had we not now come this 
way, I should have lost the view of one of the most 
beautiful parts of the environs of Paris I have yet 
seen. The roads are fine; and a short time set us 
down at the first post, where we were not long de- 
tained for post-horses, with which we cantered on to 
Louvres, which is three leagues from Bourget. At 
all the places where are the post-houses, there is a 
small village, — this is every two or three leagues, — 
in which place are collected the farmers who cultivate 
the ground in the intermediate space ; and for this 
reason we see no such thing as a farmer's house stand- 
ing by itself, surrounded by its noble barns and grana- 
ries, ■■ — a sight which is so frequent and so pleasing in 
America. These towns, or bourgs, bear a great resem- 
blance to each other, and are poorly built, with very 
crooked streets, and the evident marks of poverty 
upon every house. The contrast is to be drawn be- 
tween this wretched picture and the magnificence of 
the chateau which you always see in the neighborhood 
of those villages, and which was formerly occupied 
by some lord or other nobleman, whose vassals were 
happy in procuring by the sweat of their brows a 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 117 

scanty subsistence in a life devoted to him. These 
post-towns resemble each other very much, and give 
one no very favorable idea of the cleanliness of the in- 
habitants. No sooner does one alight at those towns 
than he is surrounded by a certain class of miserahles, 
who have claims, and just ones too, upon every one 
who can afford to ride ; and happy the man who has 
a heart to open his purse-strings to the adjustment 
of accounts on which so much enjoyment depends. 
No sooner had we alighted than a group of these 
miserables made a sortie from a wretched bed in the 
stable, and implored our charity. Their very appear- 
ance had anticipated their request ; and we got their 
blessings. And I suspect, from the event, we had the 
appearance of earning it with a good will; for the 
good people brought every one they could find who 
they thought had a claim ; and, thank God ! we had 
both will and power to make them all happy for the 
moment. We find much less difficulty in getting 
post-horses than one would have expected ; and, there- 
fore, were not detained long at this place. 

"The postilion is entitled to five livres the post. 
We pay him eight ; which I think accounts for the 
expedition with which we are served. And this is 
the most economical practice a man can adopt in 
France ; for, without the aid of the postilion, you are 
detained in a wretched hovel, where you can take no 
pleasure, nor find even tolerable accommodation. I 
therefore recommend to all my friends to keep well 
with this class of people, in whose power every travel- 
ler is obliged to put himself very much. When we 



118 MEMOIR OF 

stopped a la Chapelle three leagues from Louvres, we 
had scarcely seen the postilion dismount, before the 
sight of our carriage, which is really very beautiful, 
attracted the attention of those about ; and we saw 
ourselves surrounded by a dozen or two of good peo- 
ple, who were admiring it. One, whom we afterwards 
found to be a blacksmith, seemed more particular in 
his examinations than the rest, and soon found that 
we had occasion for him in the line of his profession. 
There were two nuts wanting to the screws, which he 
said he would furnish. Upon asking him if he had 
them made, so that we might have them at once, he 
answered, that, if twenty thousand were wanted, he 
could furnish them in five minutes. Sterne's bucket 
of water and the ocean struck me. It was in point ; 
and I placed it to the same account he did, — that the 
French language is copious, and expresses more than 
it means or intends. The little claims once settled, 
we took our leave of the blacksmith and his com- 
patriots, and in an hour reached Senlis, which is a 
town of some considerable extent, and is surrounded 
with a wall. It contains about three thousand five 
hundred inhabitants, is tolerably well built, and has 
the appearance of having been a place of considerable 
consequence. There are many very handsome houses 
here, and two churches. In passing this town, we 
observed a great number of regular soldiers, who have 
strong marks of having seen service, and were as 
good-looking fellows as I ever saw. Our passports 
were looked at here ; and, after a few minutes' deten- 
tion, we took our leave of this place, and were de- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 119 

lighted with its environs, which are charmingly laid 
out, and surrounded with the most delightful avenues 
of trees I have yet seen in France. The ruins of a 
church, perhaps once famous, stand in the neighbor- 
hood, and mark the age of the city. . . . We arrived 
at Gournay at midnight. 

" The centre of the road is paved wide enough to 
admit of two carriages abreast, and the sides kept in 
pretty good order. 

" The beauty of the country we have this day 
passed through may be equalled, but cannot be ex- 
celled, by any in the world. Almost every inch of 
ground is under cultivation, and promises a good 
crop. The rows of trees which adorn the roads on 
each side add very much to the beauty of the country, 
and, at the same time, would, upon an emergency, 
supply a vast quantity of timber. They are princi- 
pally elms, and have a majestic appearance. At the 
post-houses the masters seem much dissatisfied, and 
barely give one a civil answer when horses are asked 
for. They have reason for being out of humor, as the 
rate which the law gives them is not more than a 
fourth of what they used to get at the present ex- 
change. 

" In riding through some of the villages, we were 
followed by numbers of children, who threw bouquets 
into the carriage-window, and trusted to those within 
for something in return. Nineteen and a half leagues. 

" 12th. — At six o'clock this morning we set off, 
and in an hour arrived at Cuvilly, and from there to 
Couchy les Pots in another. The part of the road we 



120 MEMOIR OF 

have been travelling this morning is, in appearance, 
more like America than any other I have seen in 
France. There are a great many apple-trees, and 
more pasture-ground than I have observed anywhere 
else. The only thing wanting to complete the simi- 
larity is fences ; of which there are none in this coun- 
try. Indeed, they are not here necessary as with us. 
We turn our cattle and sheep into a field to feed ; and 
here, a shepherd follows the flock and directs the spot 
for it. Nothing is more entertaining than to see the 
surprising manner in which the shepherds' dogs are 
trained in France. They are making constant circles 
round the flock; and, if one trespasses the bounds 
ordered, the dog will walk up and take him by the 
foot; and in this way they are all kept in a small 
compass. The life of the shepherd, so much sung of, 
must be a very idle and vacant one, with nothing to 
do but see that the dogs, which are the attendants, do 
their duty, — nothing to exert themselves about. But 
this must be irksome and disagreeable. 

" From Couchy les Pots we were in Roye, a small 
walled city three leagues from thence, in an hour and 
a half The walls of this place are out of repair, 
and general decay seems to hang upon it. It con- 
tains, however, an excellent tavern, called the ' Soleil 
d'Or,' which aflbrded a fine breakfast; and we took 
leave of it, well satisfied with our fare. It contains 
about three thousand people. There are no manufac- 
tories here. From this place we were well driven 
to Fouches, which is a village where there is an 
immense post-house and stables, — its proprietor a 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 121 

ci-devant lord, who has been fortunate enough to save 
his head and his property. When we arrived at 
Marche le Pot, the postmaster made such bitter com- 
plaints, that we were induced to give him double fare ; 
and came off, I dare say, in his opinion, dupes and 
green ones. The fortified city of Peronne is three 
leagues from Marche le Pot. This place is very well 
fortified, but in an ancient style. Its entry is through 
three gates, one within the other some distance, with 
a ditch, wall, &c., between each, until you come to 
the wall which surrounds the city. . . . After many 
manoeuvres with the postmaster and aubergiste, who 
had joined their plans to oblige us to tarry all night 
here, seeing us persist, they gave us horses ; and we 
left Peronne for Fins, which is four leagues, and is 
only a post establishment. We here got horses with- 
out much delay, and had every reason to suppose we 
should get to Cambrai before the gates were shut. 
Had we found the people disposed to forward our 
wishes at Bonaves, three leagues from Fins, we should 
have got there with all possible ease; but the fact 
was otherwise. We soon saw they were determined 
to keep us all night ; and as no reasoning will ever 
change the menee of a French postmaster, backed by 
inclination to get you to tarry any time to spend 
money in his house, which is generally the case where 
the postmaster and publican unite in the same per- 
son, we put the best grace we could on the thing, and 
are making the necessary arrangements for passing 
the night here. The accommodation is bad ; and, had 
we not been fortunate enough to have taken some- 

16 



122 MEMOIR OF 

thing with us from Roye, we should have been supper- 
less. The pavement on a part of the road between 
this and the last post is taken up. We suppose this 
was done to prevent the passing of the cannon of the 
Austrian army on to Peronne, in case Cambrai were 
taken. This makes the travelling very unpleasant, 
and in some places even dangerous. 

" All the houses of the farmers, for thirty or forty 
leagues back, are covered with straw, very neatly laid 
on, and of a thickness to oppose either water or cold, 
— it being seldom less than eighteen inches thick ; 
and in some places the sides as well as the top of the 
house are covered in a way which has, when it is 
new, a very neat and handsome appearance. The 
farther we proceed from Paris, the less esteem assig- 
nats are held in, and more is demanded for every thing 
which is had. 

" 13th. — At eight o'clock, we arrived at Cambrai, 
which is a fortified town, and I believe has always 
had a small garrison. Its walls are very high, and 
the ditches which surround it deep and wide. The 
porte at which we enter has a formidable appearance ; 
and the thickness of the wall I should suppose at 
least seventy feet. We took a stroll round the town, 
which has a walk quite round, and shows remarkable 
strength. The appearance of Cambrai is less dis- 
gusting than the towns in general through which we 
have passed, and the streets are commodiously wide ; 
and, in general, the town is better laid out than those 
through which I have passed. The town and its 
environs bear strong marks of its having been the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 123 

seat of warfare. The houses are in some streets 
entirely shut up ; and in no part of the town is there 
any appearance of business. This place, which was the 
famous manufactory of cambrics (from the name of the 
town), has not now any thing of this kind going on. 
The people appear entirely unoccupied, and seem not 
very well content with the continuation of a war 
which is so injurious as this must be to manufac- 
turing cities. The cathedrals and some other public 
buildings are very large, and built in a Gothic style. 
This place was the residence of the Archbishop of 
Cambrai, and was overrun with monks and other 
dependants upon the church. We are told this single 
place contained eight hundred priests before the revo- 
lution. What a tax upon the industrious citizens! 
We were shown a great many buildings which were 
occupied by this class of people; and which authorized 
the belief, that there were as many of this sort of 
gentry as we had been told. This place, as well as 
almost every other one of consequence in the Re- 
public, has been the scene of the butcheries of the 
Jacobins and their emissaries. The infamous Lebon 
had about two hundred persons sent to the Revolu- 
tionary Tribunal ; which was only a stage towards the 
guillotine, as they never failed to go from thence to 
this fatal machine. Riches were cause enough for 
accusing one of being an aristocrat: as such he fell, 
and his property was pillaged by those who had caused 
his downfall. There is one street, the best built in 
this place, which has not now one of its former 
owners in it : they have fallen a sacrifice to this vile 



124 MEMOIR OF 

assassin of the human race. At Arras, about four 
leagues from hence, he caused six hundred to fall, and, 
in some instances, in a manner too horrible to relate. 
. . . The guillotine which was erected on the place, in 
front of the Maison de Ville, was publicly burned some 
time since. In walking round the ramparts of the 
city, we find the walls going to decay, and the works 
generally rather out of order. 

" We wished to have got an opportunity to go into 
the Citadel ; but find that no strangers, nor indeed even 
the inhabitants, are permitted to enter there. It is 
said to be very strong, and capable of a good defence. 
It is situated upon the highest ground in the city ; and 
commands the neighboring grounds, which are level 
for some way round. The only commanding ground 
within a mile is upon the road we came. The posses- 
sion of this would be fatal to Cambrai, were it besieged. 
It must have fallen, had a heavy artillery been placed 
there. At the time of the siege of Valenciennes by 
the Duke of York and the Austrian armies, the avanf- 
gardes were frequently within a short distance of the 
gates of the city, and burned the houses in the fau- 
bourg which is towards that place. They never, how- 
ever, sat down before Cambrai to besiege it. I should 
suppose that this place contained, before the revolution, 
from twelve to fifteen thousand souls. At present, I 
am told, there are not half that number. 

" Upon returning to the tavern, to make the neces- 
sary arrangements for getting our horses to go on, we 
found, to our mortification, that the support of one of 
the springs of our handsome carriage was broken ; and, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 



125 



lest we should be detained where we should find less 
facility for getting it mended, we concluded, after 
holding a council on the business, to have it repaired 
here. We shall therefore be detained a couple of 
hours longer than we intended ; and, as the weather 
is not very pleasant, we do not much relish the 
necessity. 

" At two o'clock, we left Cambrai for Bouchain. 
We find many houses on the route razed to the ground, 
and the country, generally speaking, wearing strong 
marks of the devastation attendant on war. The 
roads are cut up, and are unpleasant to travel. From 
Cambrai to Bouchain is four leagues. We arrived 
here at about four o'clock. This is a very small 
place, but strongly fortified, and is capable of holding 
a long siege. A branch of the Scheld washes the 
walls of Bouchain, and makes it still stronger than it 
is from its walls ; which are strong in themselves, and 
well mounted with cannon. We here found a diffi- 
culty to get horses ; and we had every reason to fear 
we should be obliged to remain in this place, which is 
one of the dirtiest I have yet seen in France. The 
fear of being detained in a most infamous tavern de- 
termined us to get horses, if we gave a guinea apiece 
for them, to carry us to Valenciennes. Our necessities 
were taken advantage of, and we were obliged to pay 
eight times the common postage ; and, in addition to 
this, ran the most imminent danger of being upset, 
and our carriage broken, by the maladroitness of the 
man who acted as postilion. There is a considerable 
force kept in all the frontier fortified towns. We are 



126 MEMOIR OF 

now in the Low Countries, or what are called Les 
Pays Bas Fran9ois, which we entered two posts before 
our arrival at Cambrai. The allied armies sent their 
scouting parties over all this part of the country, and 
to the walls of Bouchain ; but they never sat down to 
besiege it. The houses on the road are in heaps of 
ruins from Bouchain to Valenciennes, and particularly 
as you approach this last place, at which we arrived 
at seven o'clock in the evening, very much satisfied 
with having a whole carriage ; as, from the manner in 
which the fellow behaved, we had but little hopes of 
reaching here. 

" The houses, in general, are built of brick in this 
part of the country, and covered, as we have found 
them for a long time back, with straw. The country 
we are now in is more level than that which we have 
passed through. We find, by the language of the 
postmistress, that only specie will get us farther on ; 
and we therefore expect to be pretty well fleeced, as 
they have been in the habit of receiving large nominal 
prices, and are not apt to calculate with nicety the 
difference between paper and silver. After a very 
indifferent supper at a table d'hote^ we went to bed ; 
and were in very good humor, or we should have 
scolded at the woman for giving us such infamous 
accommodations. 

" 14th. — As soon as we had breakfasted, which we 
did very heartily and upon excellent fare, we requested 
one of the postilions to procure some one to conduct 
us round the town of Valenciennes, — an object I 
have been long desirous of seeing. He soon returned, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 127 

bringing his daughter, — a girl of about fifteen years 
of age. She was very intelligent, and gave ready and 
satisfactory answers to all we asked her. She had 
been in the city during the siege. The strength of 
this place, to one who has seen so little of fortifica- 
tions as myself, is inconceivable. The ditch, which is 
in one part filled with water, is at least one hundred 
and twenty feet wide ; and the walls all round as much 
as eighty feet, built of brick, and of a thickness which 
one would suppose could withstand any thing in 
nature. We were not permitted to go into the Cita- 
del, which is on the side of the Gate de Cambrai, and 
opposite to that on which it was attacked by the allied 
armies. As the ground is higher without the Gate of 
Cambrai and opposite to the Citadel than anywhere else 
round the city, the armies which attacked it made an 
attempt on that quarter; but the heavy metal from 
the Citadel dismounted their cannon, and obliged them 
to attack towards the Gate of Mons ; to which point 
they brought the most vigorous exertions. After a 
continual cannonade for forty-five days, and a bom- 
bardment which exceeded any thing that had taken 
place before, the city capitulated. There were three 
mines sprung under the works ; after the last of 
which, the general who commanded the city, whose 
name is Ferrand, capitulated. A breach was efi*ected 
in the walls ; and, indeed, a great range of the wall 
was entirely battered down. The melancholy destruc- 
tion which is exhibited in this city is beyond de- 
scription. Whole streets are laid level with the dust ; 
and all the quarter of the town towards Mons is but 
one great heap of ashes and ruins. 



128 MEMOIR OF 

" There were ten thousand men capable of bearing 
arms in the garrison when the siege began ; and, at 
the end of the forty-five days, more than one-half had 
fallen a sacrifice. The army of the allies was one 
hundred and six thousand men, commanded by the 
most able generals in the service to which they be- 
longed. This sacrifice of men and property was 
made to get possession of a place they held about 
nine months ; and then, in their turn, they laid their 
arms down to Gen. Dampierre, who bravely fell near 
this city, and who is buried on the heights of Fremas, 
where there is a monument erected to his memory. 
Great numbers of people were buried under the ruins 
of the houses of Valenciennes. The house of the 
general who defended the city was pointed out to us ; 
and we counted upwards of sixty cannon-shot through 
its walls. The roof was destroyed by bombs ; and it 
has but the walls now standing. Hard by it is an 
immense heap of ruins,-— the remains of a very large 
church, which has not one stone left upon another. 
We entered the court of a large house where there 
had been great destruction, and were told by a man, 
who, with his family, was in the cellar during the 
whole siege, that upwards of one hundred bombs 
had fallen within the court-yard ; and its appearance 
warranted the belief of the assertion. The rubbish 
is very much cleared up now ; and a great number of 
the houses which were unroofed are now slated and 
fitted up. Every part of the town is strongly marked, 
particularly the steeples of the public buildings. A 
great proportion of the inhabitants of the city lodged 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 129 

in their cellars, which are always arched and strongly 
built in fortified towns. The walls of the city quite 
round are astonishingly battered ; and in many places 
breaches were begun, which are now repaired. The 
life which the people in this city must have led during 
the siege is inconceivable. There is but little appear- 
ance of business at this place. It was once famous 
for its cambrics and laces ; and, indeed, there are some 
small manufactories yet at work, but they are incon- 
siderable. The cambrics were not manufactured in 
the cities which have the reputation of them ; but were 
woven in the houses of the peasants, and brought to 
Valenciennes to be bleached and dressed. The lace 
of this place was more esteemed than that of Brussels. 
There were, before the revolution, between thirty and 
forty thousand inhabitants at this place ; but they are 
now reduced to an inconsiderable number, and have 
little or nothing to do. The number of beggars in 
every town through which you pass is great ; but here 
they exceed any thing we have before seen ; and it was 
with difficulty we could get through them to our car- 
riage. It is shameful to see the manner in which the 
churches have been demolished here, and the uses to 
which they are put. The Cathedral, which is a most 
superb and magnificent building, serves now as a barn, 
and is filled with hay. It was appropriated to the 
reception of horses some time since ; and the marble 
with which it is paved is broken to pieces and de- 
stroyed. The sculpture, which is in white marble, 
and executed in a superior style, is broken to pieces, 
and the arms and heads of the figures are severed. 

17 



130 MEMOIR OF 

In another case, we saw caps, tents, and other articles 
for the army; and teams had driven into the body of 
the church, and were loading. There is but a small 
garrison kept here. We were upon the ramparts of 
the fortifications ; but, as we got there by stealth, we 
did not remain long. The immense ditch which sur- 
rounds the town was in one place filled up by the 
allied armies, so that it was passable ; and an assault 
was to have been made, if the city had not surren- 
dered. At twelve o'clock, we left Valenciennes, which 
is the last fortified town in French Flanders, and within 
two leagues of Austrian Flanders. Before we got to 
the post, we were stopped, to be searched by the last 
custom-house of the French, and, a little farther on, 
at the first of the conquered country. 

" The officer proposed searching our baggage ; but 
a few livres quieted his conscience, and he let us pass. 
You hardly pass the line which divides French and 
Austrian Flanders before you see a difference in the 
appearance of the people. The contrast between the 
post-house where we next changed our horses and 
those in France is as different as can be conceived. 
Every thing had Dutch neatness about it, and had the 
appearance of cleanliness, — which, thus far, we have 
been little accustomed to. The countenances and 
dress, too, are entirely changed ; and, instead of 
houses level with the ground, we now see them en- 
tered by an ascent of a couple of steps, and less 
lumbered about the doors with every thing which is 
uncleanly. The old proverb, that ' money makes the 
mare go,' was never more verified than with us. In 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERJCINS. 131 

coming through the Republic, we have paid with 
nothing but paper at the post-houses, and have been 
received by the masters of them with great indif- 
ference. We now pay with specie ; and the moment 
this is known where we descend, you are scarcely out 
of your carriage before you have your horses put to ; 
and they set oiF a grand galop ^ as if the De'il himself 
was at their heels. Our second post was Quaregnon, 
two leagues from Mens ; at which place we arrived at 
about four o'clock in the afternoon. The country, in 
approaching Mons, is very beautiful ; and the arrange- 
ment of trees on each side of the way makes the roads 
delightful. We now see what we have not before 
since we left Paris ; that is, delightful meadows, 
in which are cattle grazing, mterspersed with trees, 
that give an appearance of luxury not to be ex- 
celled. 

"There is much more wood in this part of the 
country than is found in France ; and as the trees are 
all taken the greatest care of, and all the under-brush 
is taken out, they have a very beautiful appearance. 
There are, in some places in French Flanders, ditches, 
to partition oif the meadows from the tilled grounds 
where the cattle range ; but this is very seldom the 
case ; and you generally see a boy strolling about, 
wherever you see a cow feeding, who keeps her from 
trespassing upon sown ground. The sheep, too, are 
always attended by a shepherd, and a couple of dogs 
who keep them feeding where the shepherd wishes. 
The sagacity of these animals is astonishing, and 
deserves admiration. This country is so perfectly 



132 MEMOIR OF 

level that you can see to a great extent; and, all 
around, majestic steeples enliven the already rich 
scene. I have counted eight steeples at a time, 
when riding upon a perfect level, and taking but 
half the circle of the horizon. Were one to travel 
through this country, or, indeed, through any part 
of France that I have yet been in, and judge of the 
population by the number of houses which are seen 
interspersed amongst the fields, he would be very 
much deceived, and suppose it nearly desolated, and 
with but very few inhabitants. The fact is, the cul- 
tivators of the soil are not owners of it, but are 
collected together, every few miles, in a miserable 
village, in the neighborhood of which lives the lord 
of the village, who has them all at his command, and 
holds them as his vassals. I should rather say this 
was the fact, than that it is. It all holds good, how- 
ever, except as it respects the lord of the manor, who 
is in the background. But the cultivators are not the 
more masters of the soil : they have but made an 
exchange of masters. On our arrival at Mons, we 
found the streets full of people, who had just come 
from Mass ; and numbers of priests in the streets, in 
their usual habiliments. If we had reason to com- 
plain of beggars at the other places which we have 
passed through, what shall we say of Mons, where 
we were beset in a most disgraceful manner? We 
effected our escape into the house, where we intended 
dining ; but our faithful attendants waited for us at 
the door, to give us a fresh assault as we made a new 
attempt to get to our carriage. The dinner more 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 133 

than indiiferent ; and the price demanded, extravagant. 
We saw here a number of poor devils of Prussians 
and Germans, who had been liberated by treaty with 
the King of Prussia, and an exchange of prisoners 
with the Emperor. They were mostly miserable-look- 
ing objects, — meagre, ill-clad, and sickly. Mons is 
in the situation of all the once fortified towns in 
Austrian Flanders ; that is to say, defenceless. Their 
fortifications were destroyed by Joseph II., who feared 
his impositions would be looked upon as they merited, 
and therefore destroyed all the works ; which has 
proved of infinite service to the French, who, without 
this facility, would have found much more difficulty 
in conquering Austrian Flanders. Its situation is 
more elevated than the towns we have passed in the 
Low Countries; and it might be made strong from 
the advantage of a river, which I presume is a part of 
the Scheld, and circulates round the city. The gates 
of the city are preserved, and the ramparts are con- 
verted into public walks. It is a considerable place ; 
and must contain twelve or fifteen thousand inhabi- 
tants, from its size. The country between Mons and 
Bruxelles is the highest wrought scene we have yet 
observed. Where the country from nature is unfa- 
vorable to roads, art has made up the deficiency ; and 
causeways are carried ten or fifteen feet above the 
ground, for accommodation. The post from Mons is 
to Casteau, and from there to Braine le Compte. We 
were served at both those villages with despatch, and 
went on to Halle with great speed. A new kind of 
begging is introduced on this road. The moment 



134 MEMOIR OF 

carriages appear at a distance, the road is lined with 
children, who chant their demands upon you for 
charity, and keep upon a trot alongside the carriage 
until you give them something. Halle is a very large 
village, and has a considerable garrison in it. The 
first question upon our arrival at the post was, ' Do 
they pay in square or round I ' The moment the 
latter was announced, the horses appeared ; and two 
hours put us safe at the Hotel d'Angleterre, in the 
celebrated city of Bruxelles. 

"15th. — After we had taken breakfast, we took a 
guide to show us the city. And, that we might have 
the better idea of it, our first route was for the Cathe- 
dral, where we mounted to the top of the steeple, and 
were able to see every part of the city with great 
exactness. It is nearly circular, and I should suppose 
about four or five miles in circumference. The 
grounds about it are as charming as can be con- 
ceived of; to which the delightful ranges of trees, 
which appear in every quarter, are no small addi- 
tion. In many places, on the road ftom Mons, the 
tops of the trees meet, and you ride for miles in a 
perfect arbor. 

" In going to the Pare, we saw a small body of 
troops parade, who looked more shabby than they 
ought. Gen. Ferrand was on the parade. He is a 
good-looking man, and one I respect for his brave 
defence of Valenciennes. . . . 'Tis melancholy to see 
so fine a city as this so trist as it in fact is. A vast 
number of the houses are shut up, and the streets 
appear dead to business. At this place was manufac- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 135 

tured the famous lace bearing the name of the city. 
They still keep this going on in a small degree. I saw 
a number of women, in the different shops I passed, 
at work with their bobbins upon lace. . . . That neat- 
ness for which the Dutch are so famous is striking in 
this city, and appears to us in higher and more esti- 
mable colors from the contrast with what we have 
lately been so accustomed to. The prejudices of the 
people are much against the French quite through 
the Austrian Flanders ; and they have been greatly 
augmented by the violations of what they call sacred 
things, — the pictures and ornaments in the churches. 

" 16th. — The Emperor used frequently to visit 
Bruxelles, which is the capital of Austrian Flanders ; 
and he had, therefore, a beautiful palace just without 
the town, near which is a tall pagoda, that has a 
magnificent appearance. 

"Nothing can equal the ride from Bruxelles to 
Malines, which is half way to Antwerp. A consider- 
able part of the way, you ride on the margin of the 
canal, which is ornamented with stately trees on both 
sides ; and the country, which is as level as the sur- 
face of an untroubled ocean, is under the most luxu- 
rious cultivation, principally in meadow, and filled 
with cattle. 

" We were off for Antwerp at ten o'clock ; and at 
one we were set down at the grand Hotel, which is 
said to be the best tavern in the place. The popula- 
tion is certainly much greater in Austrian Flanders 
than in any part of France I have passed through. In 
France, the inhabitants are collected in villages, which 



136 MEMOIR OF 

are three or four miles distant from each other. In 
Austrian Flanders, in addition to those villages, which 
are quite as frequent and populous as those in France, 
you see the scene highly improved, by houses being 
interspersed amongst the fields, at small distances, 
quite through the country. The villages are all nicely 
paved ; and the pavement looks as if it had been washed 
every morning. The mode of cultivation is as neat, 
and as much to be admired, as their domestic arrange- 
ments. The women, both in France and Flanders, do 
their share towards the cultivation of the soil. In 
some places, we observed the women cutting the fields 
of grass with a crooked knife. They kneel on the 
ground, and seize a bunch of grass with one hand, 
which, with the knife that they hold in the other, 
they cut off" close to the roots. There is some saving 
by it, but I should not suppose enough to pay for the 
labor. 

^i " The population of America must be very much 
increased before we can have our grounds in such 
order as here. Not a stone is to be seen : they have 
all been picked up, centuries since, and buried some 
feet below the surface of the earth. After the plough 
has been used, they go over the field with forks 
with five prongs; with which they dig the already 
ploughed ground, break every lump of earth, and lay 
it in beds the whole length of the field, and about ten 
or twelve feet wide. The bed is rounded off", which 
throws the water into a trench which is left between 
the beds, of three or four inches in width. This gives 
the fields a more beautiful appearance than if they 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 137 

were perfectly level. I also observed that there were 
constantly women and children at work in the fields, 
picking the weeds from among the wheat, which was 
about ten or twelve inches out of the ground. This 
is a great improvement; but it can only be done 
where the population has become very great, and can- 
not, of course, be expected for a century among us. 
They put a great quantity of manure on their land ; 
and, in some instances, they do it in a way I was before 
a stranger to. In some fields, I saw them with a cart, 
in which was a large cask filled with water, that 
appeared to be a decoction of the produce of the barn- 
yard. This was placed with one end hanging over 
the tail of the cart. A spigot was drawn, which had 
some obstruction to prevent the water from flowing 
out in a stream ; and it was scattered quite the width 
of the cart as it proceeded. There are a vast number 
of trees over the whole face of this country, which are 
all arranged with perfect symmetry, and, I suppose, 
mark the boundaries of the estates. 

"As soon as we had made our arrangements for 
dinner, we took a guide, and went upon our usual 
business of visiting the different parts of the town. 
The first object was to see its extent and situation, 
it being entirely under our eyes when we arrived 
at the top of the steeple of the Cathedral, which is 
considerably higher than any other building that I 
was ever upon. Its height is six hundred and twenty- 
one steps from the ground ; and we were not a little 
fatigued when we arrived at the top ; but were fully 
compensated for the pains we had taken, by the mag- 

18 



138 MEMOIR OF 

nificent prospect which lay before us. The town is 
considerably smaller than Brussels. It has a number 
of churches, which, with the Town House and India 
stores, are all the public buildings. From this steeple, 
you see the windings of the Scheld for several leagues 
on each side. This river, which has cost Europe so 
many lives, is about a quarter of a mile wide at 
Antwerp, and its water in the channel is sixty feet 
deep. The quays are very convenient ; and, at some 
of them, there are forty feet of water. However, — to 
mount again to the steeple, — as I before observed, it 
commands a view the most superlative that can be 
imagined. There are no less than sixteen cities in 
sight; among which are Breda, Bergen op Zoom, 
Malines, and St. Nicholas ; besides which, there are an 
infinity of villages, which, having no large marks to 
distinguish them, are scarcely any of them distinctly 
seen. The country is perfectly level, and has not a 
hill or rising even to enliven the prospect. We were 
delighted with the view ; and descended to the lower 
part of this immense building, to admire the works of 
art. They are here in perfection of their kind. The 
town of Antwerp boasts of having given birth to 
Rubens, Vandyck, the famous blacksmith of Antwerp, 
and several others of the finest painters who ever 
held a pencil. Many of their Avorks remain in this 
church ; but the most valuable of them have met the 
fate of those at Brussels and Malines. This was a 
cruel thing to this town ; for the circumstance of the 
pictures having been painted by their fellow-citizens, 
enhanced their value in the minds of those who 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 139 

possessed them, and makes the loss of them the more 
regretted. In one of the pieces painted by the black- 
smith, he has thrown a very great likeness of himself 
into the background, which will make his face known 
for centuries to come. The piece is the taking of the 
body of Jesus from the cross. It is done in a master- 
ly manner, in my opinion ; though my fellow-travellers 
are not much pleased with it. There is the death of 
St. Sebastian, which is finer than any I have seen 
before. The painting on glass is superior to that 
of Brussels or Malines ; and a part of it was pre- 
sented by one of the Henrys of England. The 
quantity of marble pillars and carved work in this 
cathedral is surprising. This church is superior to 
the one at Brussels in point of decoration, and is, 
I think, considerably larger. We were fortunate 
enough to be at this cathedral when the organist was 
touching the instrument, with which we were all 
charmed. 

" I am not surprised at the enthusiasm with which 
people, from long habit, view every thing in their 
churches ; and I confess I cannot walk through one 
of them without respecting every thing about me. 
There is a constant succession, to and from all the 
churches we have visited, of people, who are doing 
away the sins of the day. 

" Antwerp, from its situation, ought to be one of 
the most flourishing towns in Europe. This was once 
the case ; but now it wears the strongest marks of 
total idleness. It is splendid in its buildings ; and its 
streets are some of them very wide, and all well paved 



140 MEMOIR OF 

and convenient. It contained, formerly, sixty thou- 
sand inhabitants ; but it has not now more than forty- 
five thousand, and they have very little appearance of 
business. Antwerp is at the head of navigation on 
the Scheld, — that is to say, for large vessels; and, 
situated as it is in the heart of a country which is in 
fact but one great village, with navigation by boats 
on the river and canals for a considerable way into 
the country, would be the storehouse of all the Low 
Countries, had it the use of the advantages which 
nature has given it, and art has improved. 

" It is said the French intend that the naviga- 
tion of the Scheld shall be free to all the world. 
How true this is, time alone will determine. It will 
be saying that Antwerp shall be one of the first com- 
mercial cities in Europe." 

Thirty years afterwards, as appears in a subsequent 
journal, Antwerp presented the appearance of more 
extensive commerce, and great improvement in accom- 
modations for the shipping ; but the ascendency which 
the city once enjoyed has never been regained. 

" May 17th. — r At five o'clock this morning, we left 
Antwerp, round which is a charming country for a 
few miles. Our anticipation has been fine roads from 
Antwerp to Rotterdam ; but we are much disap- 
pointed, as we had ridden but four or five miles before 
we left the pavement, which continues from Paris to 
this place. The country, for eight leagues, is the 
worst I ever travelled through: the roads are sand, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 141 

and the whole face of the country the most barren I 
ever saw. Although we had four horses, they went 
upon little more than a walk the whole way. Within 
two leagues of the Mordyke, the scene was changed, 
and Nature looked smiling on every side. We here 
arrived at the diked country, and see the finest pas- 
ture grounds in all Europe, and the fields stocked 
with cattle without number. We pass the Waal at 
Mordyke, which is a ferry about three miles wide, 
well attended, and the boats excellent. The roads 
are pleasant through Holland, lying upon the top 
of the dike, but unfortunately too narrow, leaving 
barely room for two carriages to pass ; and of course 
making it very dangerous for them to meet, as both 
must approach so near the edge of the dike as to 
stand a very tolerable chance, in case of any accident, 
of being canted into the canal, which is at the foot of 
the dike. 

" We passed through a number of villages ; to de- 
scribe the neatness of which, would be impossible. 
The number of trees spread all over this country 
makes its appearance very beautiful. This is height- 
ened extremely by the vast herds of cattle which are 
feeding in the fields. The horses are famed in this 
part of Holland, and deservedly so. At ten o'clock 
in the evening, we crossed the Mouse, and landed 
safely at Rotterdam. We take our lodgings at the 
Marechal de Turenne. 

" 18th. — Busily employed in viewing a town which 
is beautiful to a great degree, and is in a very fine 
situation for business. 



142 MEMOIR OF 

" 19th. — From the top of the highest steeple in 
Rotterdam, we saw thirty odd villages, and were much 
pleased with the prospect. The windmills, of which 
there are great numbers round Rotterdam, are built 
of stone; and some of them I judge to be between 
seventy and eighty feet high. Capt. George Lane 
tells me that some of them are sawmills, and that he 
was in one which carried forty saws at a time. They 
are also used to throw out the water from the canals 
into the rivers when the former get too full. The 
canals in this place admit vessels to your store door, 
and make the doing business very convenient. The 
buildings are all plain and good, some of them hand- 
some ; the India House and Exchange the only public 
buildings which are remarkable. 

" We find them very busy here ; a treaty having 
just been signed between France and Holland, offen- 
sive and defensive, and, the Hollanders say, upon 
mutual advantages. This remains to be proved. I 
most sincerely hope the event may prove this to be 
the fact. We this day dined with Mr. Buldemaker ; 
whom we find a very pleasing man, and who has a 
charming family. On the morrow, we leave for 
Amsterdam. 

" 20th. — The day fine, and promising us a plea- 
sant journey. At half-past ten o'clock, we left Rot- 
terdam ; and, at seven in the evening, we were at the 
Arms of Amsterdam. The road from Rotterdam is 
generally good ; though, like all the roads I have yet 
seen in Holland, very much cramped for width, two 
carriages being scarce able to pass without danger of 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 143 

being thrown oiF the dike. The dikes, in general, 
are adorned with trees ; and on each side are ditches, 
filled with water, in all directions. Almost every house 
has a boat, which is used to transport any thing they 
may wish from one place to another. This makes 
carts quite unnecessary amongst the farmers ; and I do 
not recollect to have seen one on the road. This part 
of Holland is entirely appropriated to the feeding of 
cattle ; the whole country being in meadow, and filled 
with cows. We have not seen one field of grain since 
we left Rotterdam. The back provinces are entirely 
cultivated in grain, which is brought down ; and the 
cheese of the Low Countries, and other productions, 
such as butter and stock, are taken for pay. 

" There is nothing in Holland which looks like 
wretchedness ; and you meet but seldom with people 
who ask for charity, in comparison with the demands 
of this kind made in France. Their huts all appear 
clean and comfortable; and those about them look 
contented. The contrast between this and what we 
have left in the great Republic is striking. 

" The communication between the great mercantile 
towns in Holland is by the canals, upon which there 
are convenient boats for passengers; and there are 
also the finest boats I ever saw, for the transportation 
of merchandise. The one and the other are drawn by 
horses, which travel on the margin of the river ; or 
sailed, when the wind will admit. 

" The neighborhood of Rotterdam and of this city 
(Amsterdam) has many country-seats, the style of 
which does not altogether correspond with our ideas 



144 MEMOIK OF 

of beauty. The gardens are perfection in neatness, 
but too stiff and labored to please an American. The 
canals are filled with fish ; and fishing and smoking 
seem to be the chief amusements sought in this 
country. 

" The height of the water above the land, within 
the dikes, is very considerable, and in some instances 
astonishing. At a country-seat of Mr. Vanstaphort's, 
about three miles from town, the canal, which is 
parallel with the house, is forty feet above the gar- 
den; and, if the sea should once make a breach in 
the dike, the neighboring country must suffer exceed- 
ingly. The canals which lead up into the town are 
only deep enough to admit of boats coming up ; 
whereas, in Rotterdam, vessels of two hundred tons 
come to the very doors of the houses in the centre of 
the town. 

" There is a particular quarter appropriated for the 
residence of Jews, whose number is said to be between 
forty and fifty thousand. This sect are deprived of 
many of the privileges that other citizens have ; which 
makes it astonishing to me that they are opposed to 
the present revolution, which will unquestionably 
place them upon the same footing with the other 
inhabitants. Their funds in the British coffers, which 
are great, I suspect may be looked to as the cause of 
this disaffection ; as they fear, and with reason, con- 
siderable injury from the present arrangement. We 
visited two synagogues ; but as there was no singing, 
which was the only entertainment we promised our- 
selves, we made but a short stay. There was a 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 145 

general confused noise, — some talking of business, 
and others saying their Hebrew prayers. The syna- 
gogues are good buildings, and always, I am told, 
frequented by great numbers of Jews. 

" Sunday, May 24th. — This day we appropriated 
to visiting North Holland. We crossed over to a 
small village, where we took a carriage for Brock, a 
village very much distinguished for its excess of neat- 
ness. Our expectations had been very much raised, 
and we had formed to ourselves an improvement upon 
the general cleanliness. which pervades all Holland; 
but our ideas had fallen far short of the reality. The 
houses in this town are perfect patterns of every 
thing that is nice. They do not permit the entrance 
of a horse into the town. The streets are as nice as 
a parlor ; and are sanded every morning, in serpentine 
lines. 

" The houses are painted green and white ; and 
have small gardens in front of them, with box cut 
into the shape of different animals. The gardens are 
decorated witl\ stones of various colors. We were 
conducted to the house of an old gentleman by the 
name of Claas Ploeger, who has been very curious to 
collect what curiosities he could from the captains 
he has employed ; and he is very proud of showing 
to strangers his little museum, which is decorated 
with a great number of birds and beasts, many stones, 
and other things, which are rare of their kind. His 
house, however, we found to be the greatest curiosity 
he had to show us. At the door where we entered 
was spread a white napkin to wipe our feet upon, and 

19 



146 MEMOIR OF 

one of the same kind at each door we entered. We 
were carried through the different departments, and 
found every thing to correspond to this excess of neat- 
ness. We happened to be at this place just at dinner- 
time, the cook-niaid having taken the pot in which 
the dinner was cooked from the fire, and the iron 
back of the chimney-place was as bright as silver. 
Mr. Russell and myself had the curiosity to wipe it 
with our cambric handkerchiefs, without their being 
in the smallest degree soiled. This is a fact which I 
should not dare to commit but to the eye of friend- 
ship, it has the appearance so much of a travelling 
story ; and, had there not been witnesses to it besides 
myself, I should not have dared even to note it. I 
promised the old man some curiosities ; at which he 
seemed highly gratified. 

" This place is mostly inhabited by underwriters 
on vessels, who have their agents in town, or go there 
occasionally. The women in North Holland dress 
their heads in a very peculiar manner ; and I am 
sure, that, if all the women would make patriotic 
gifts of the gold they wear upon their heads to their 
country, the debt of one hundi-ed millions to the 
French would be easily paid. 

" In the houses of North Holland, there is a door 
which is never opened but to receive the bride on 
the day of marriage, and at funerals. This town 
appeared perfectly dull and unpleasant. The inhabi- 
tants seem to have no occupation but that of keeping 
the town clean. The small bridges which are thrown 
over the canals are neat, and kept in good order. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 147 

" From Brock we went to Saardam, — a town made 
famous from its being the place where Peter the Great 
served his time at the ship-carpenter's trade. We 
were shown the house where he lived ; which is an 
obscure hovel, bearing the marks of antiquity about 
it. This place was once very much distinguished for 
its ship-yards ; but there is now little doing in that 
way. The number of mills, all of which are carried 
by wind, is upwards of eight hundred. The town is 
like all the towns of Holland, — perfect symmetry, 
and perfection on the score of cleanliness. There is 
one custom throughout Holland that is very surpris- 
ing to strangers who visit the country; which is, 
that of giving to the servant at the house where you 
dine a guilder. Upon this principle, the servant, 
when he enters into the service of any one, inquires 
if he has much company ; and his wages are in pro- 
portion. They generally keep possession of your hat, 
so that you cannot escape them ; and, when they find 
you are about going, do not forget to attend you to 
the door. .... 

" 31st. —"We crossed the Rhine a mile from Ley- 
den; and, at eight o'clock, arrived at the Hague. 
The country from Amsterdam to this place is princi- 
pally pasturing, though there are some fields of wheat 
now and then interspersed. 

" June 1st. — As soon as we had made our toilets, 
we called upon Mr. Adams, the American minister at 
the Hague ; who was very friendly in his attentions, 
and asked us to dine on that day. We traversed the 
town, and find it very beautiful : indeed, it has the 



148 MEMOIR OF 

reputation of being the handsomest city in Holland. 
The garden of the Prince of Orange is very well 
suited to the Dutch taste, which consists in perfect 
symmetry of arrangement. They are so fond of this, 
that they will not suffer a tree to grow as Nature 
would have it, let its shape be ever so fine ; but it 
must be tortured to meet their wishes. The canals 
are broad, and the avenues of trees are many and 
beautiful. This place is still the residence of the 
states-general and the foreign ambassadors ; and 
the inhabitants are of that class which were always 
dependent on the court for a living. There are no 
manufactories here, as in most of the towns of Hol- 
land, except such as produce objects of luxury. The 
public squares and walks are quite beautiful. We 
saw a parade of Dutch and French troops on the 
same square : the former looked as if they were just 
out of a bandbox, as stiff as the musket they bore 
on their shoulders ; the latter were dirty and ragged 
as you please, but with an air of vivacity and content 
in their faces that bespoke cheerful hearts. It is an 
pbject of no small wonder to see men, who were a 
few months since cutting the throats of each other, 
now friends, and uniting their efforts against the 
other powers which were leagued with the Dutch in 
the first of the revolution. 

" Rotterdam, 2d. — The weather more pleasant 
than it has been before. Upon the whole, I like 
this place more than any other I have seen in Hol- 
land. The houses on the river are particularly beau- 
t;iful, and pleasantly situated. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 149 

" 4th. — This morning, at five o'clock, we left 
Rotterdam, and, at ten o'clock, arrived at the Mor- 
dyke, where we now are, and where we find we shall 
be detained five or six hours on account of the tide 
and little wind. This is unpleasant ; but, as we are 
determined not to fret about things we cannot help, 
we are quietly waiting the moving of the waters. 

" At twelve o'clock, our boat made an attempt ; 
and, at half-past one, we were on the other side of 
the Meuse. 

" We were obliged to wait some time, after cross- 
ing the Mordyke, for horses, — all of which had 
been taken into requisition for the transportation 
of artillery. 

" It was two o'clock before we set off ; and, to our 
great mortification, we find, upon our arrival at the 
place where I am now writing, that there are no horses ; 
and we are obliged to wait until return horses come 
from Antwerp or the Mordyke. The reflection which 
cheers my spirits under every cross accident, and 
which I call constantly to my aid when things go 
wrong, is that I am on my way to meet those in the 
society of whom alone I am or can be happy. May 
the God of heaven be propitious to my wishes, and 
land me safe in a country which has, in my opinion, 
the means of happiness much more within the reach 
of all classes of people than any I have yet seen ! 

" This country is visited every year by large num- 
bers of storks. They are of the size of a very large 
crane ; perfectly white, except the ends of the wings, 
which are black. The Hollanders have a tradition. 



150 MEMOIR OF 

that this bird will only live in republics. Whether 
it is for this or some other reason, I know not ; but 
they are looked upon as something above the feathered 
race in general, and the utmost care is taken to pre- 
vent any injury coming to them ; for the sin of hurt- 
ing one of these birds is very great. There is no fear 
of any thing of this kind happening from the inhabi- 
tants, who have a religious respect for the bird ; but 
from those who consider the fowls of the air as 
common stock, and the property of those who can 
possess themselves of them. These birds build upon 
the corners of the houses ; and, in some instances, I 
have seen their nests upon places erected expressly 
for them. Their nests are made of sticks, and are 
larger in circumference than the head of a barrel. 
They live upon insects, which the low grounds about 
here furnish in great plenty. They are birds of pas- 
sage, and, in autumn, assemble in large flocks, and 
rove about for several days together in societies of 
this kind previous to their departure; when they take 
an amazing height, and disappear until the coming 
spring calls them to take possession of their old 
habitations. It is unknown to what country they 
emigrate. Thomson, in his ' Seasons,' thus speaks 
of this domestic, aflectionate bird: — 

' Where the Rhine loses his majestic force 
In Belgian plains, won from the raging deep 
By diligence amazing, and the strong, 
Unconquerahle hand of Liberty, 
The stork- assembly meets ; for many a day 
Consulting deep, and various, ere they take 
Their arduous voyage through the liquid sky. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 151 

And now, their route designed, their leaders chose, 
Their tribes adjusted, cleaned their vigorous wings, 
And many a circle, many a short essay. 
Wheeled round and round, in congregation full 
The figured ilight ascends, and, riding high 
The aerial billows, mixes with the clouds.' * 

" The country, in general, looks more smiling than 
when we went on. The flax, which was then not out 
of the ground, forms a pretty contrast to the number- 
less shades of green with which the meadows are 
clothed. I confess it is with pleasure I am about 
to leave this country. It has been observed, by an 
English traveller, ' that (speaking of Holland) it is 
a country where the earth is better than the air, and 
profit more in request than honor; where there is 
more sense than wit, more good-nature than good- 
humor, and more wealth than pleasure ; where a man 
would choose rather to travel than to live, — would 
find more things to observe than to desire, and more 
persons to esteem than to love.' 

" 5th, Antwerp. — At eight o'clock, we arrived 
at this place, having ridden all the night. When 
we were going to Rotterdam, over the same road we 
passed last evening, it was in the daytime ; and we 
observed, that it would be impossible to go over it at 
night without being upset. We little thought that 
we should make the trial on our return ; but this 
was the fact ; and we were so fortunate as not to 
realize what we had great reason to fear. Although 
I was extremely disposed to sleep, yet the beauty 
of the evening, and the melody of the nightingales, 

* It is ascertained that the stork migrates to North Africa. 



152 MEMOIR OF 

which serenaded us the night long, kept me awake ; 
and I scarce ever remember to have passed a more 
pleasant night. We find that we cannot cross the 
ferry which passes the Scheld until slack tide, which 
is twelve o'clock ; so that we shall not be able to 
get any farther than Ghent (or Gand, as the French 
call it) this night. 

" The few houses which are left (after the devasta- 
tion of war) between Courtray and Menin speak our 
approach to the territory of France. That neatness 
so conspicuous in the houses in Holland and Austrian 
Flanders is taking its leave of us ; and more urbanity 
and good-humor, with less attention to cleanliness, is 
visible. 

" The line between Austrian and French Flanders 
is about a mile from Menin ; and here is established 
a custom-house, where we were stopped to report our 
luggage and destination, as well as place of departure ; 
which being done to the satisfaction of the officer 
who made the inquiries, he suffered us to go on with- 
out examining our baggage. All the houses round 
Menin have been destroyed ; and every thing speaks 
the distress that must have existed here the last year. 
The road is almost impassable, from the pavement 
having been torn up by the heavy cannon and wagons 
which have passed over it. There are outworks all 
round this city, which tell the regular approaches of 
the French when they besieged it. 

" The first village we passed, after leaving French 
Flanders, was one of the most wretched places I re- 
member to have ever seen. Mud-houses, covered 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 153 

with straw, hold a set of beings whose general ap- 
pearance corresponds to their habitations. 

"Lisle, June 6th, 1795. — We arrived at this place 
at seven o'clock this evening ; and, as soon as we had 
made ourselves up a little, we went to the Comedy ; 
where we were much amused, and found better acting 
than we had anticipated. The house is very handsome 
within ; and the style without is that of the Italian 
Opera at Paris, which is thought as well of as any 
theatre in the city. 

" We took up our quarters at the Hotel de Bourbon. 
I was surprised to hear this hotel called by its ci-devant 
name by the postilion who conducted us there. The 
fact is, that it is now thought less enormous to call 
places by the names which they have borne for cen- 
turies than it was a short time since. At the table 
d'hote^ we saw two gentlemen who had just arrived 
from Paris. They tell us of the difficulty of procur- 
ing horses; and would make us suppose that they 
have worked wonders, in surmounting all the impedi- 
ments they have had to encounter. We have been 
used to this kind of story; and therefore they give 
us no uneasiness. We find our fellow-travellers, too, 
have had their ' hair-breadth 'scapes ' in the late insur- 
rection of the faubourgs of Paris. We are told that 
there are several deputies of the Convention decreed 
of accusation ; that is, in other words, destined to lose 
their lives on the scaffold. Great God ! when will 
the vengeance of party-spirit subside, and the calm 
effects of reason take its place % My eyes are tired of 
seeing, and my ears of hearing, of the sacrifice of the 

20 



154 MEMOIR OF 

advocates of opposing principles to the unforgiving 
spirit of that party which may be at the head, and 
take the lead, for the time being. 

" In the great square in front of our hotel, they are 
erecting an altar, where will be celebrated the triumph 
of Liberty over Jacobinism in the late business in 
Paris. A funebrial fete is ordered for to-morrow 
throughout the Republic, on account of the death 
of the member Feraud, who was assassinated in the 
Convention. 

" The gentlemen from Paris tell us that the man 
who shot the deputy, and the one who afterwards 
carried the bleeding head on a pike, in exultation, to 
the Convention, have both been taken up and guil- 
lotined, with about twenty gens d'armes, who were 
convicted of aiding and abetting the late affair. There 
have been strong suspicions for some time respecting 
the good disposition of the gens d'armes towards the 
Convention ; but there is now no doubt of their 
being inimical ; and they are ordered out of Paris. 
Troops of the line are now the guards of the Con- 
vention and of Paris. It is melancholy that this 
same guillotine should have got into such quick 
motion again. It is to be feared that ill use will be 
made of it. 

" 7th. — Lisle is esteemed one of the most con- 
siderable cities in France. Its numbers are not so 
large as I expected : they are not more than seventy- 
five thousand. The streets are well paved ; wider and 
straighter, generally speaking, than those of any other 
place I have visited in France ; and, were they kept 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 155 

clean, they would certainly appear to still greater ad- 
vantage. The fact is, they are like all the towns in 
France that I have seen, — overflowed with filth of 
one kind and another. I am a little surprised that 
their proximity to Austrian Flanders has not improved 
them on this score. Old habits are not easily dis- 
pensed with : they will, therefore, live as they always 
have lived, — a gay, laughing, unthinking, dirty peo- 
ple. I mean dirty as it respects their houses and 
streets. As to their clothes and persons, they have 
infinitely the advantage of their neighbors. 

" We are told that there never was more business 
done in Lisle than at this moment. The truth is, that 
the Parisians, who are losing all confidence in paper- 
money, are throwing all they have into those towns 
which have goods to dispose of: and the event must 
be ruinous to the manufacturers, whose goods are 
estimated according to the rate at which the materials 
cost them; which it will be impossible for them to 
replace at treble the price they paid for the present 
stock. Were a person to travel through this place un- 
acquainted with the situation of France, and the great 
distress that a very destructive war has occasioned to 
the country at large, the last thing which would pre- 
sent itself to his imagination would be, that the coun- 
try was in any other situation than that of peace and 
happiness. All is gayety and pleasure; and not a 
frown seems to sit upon the brow of any person I 
have met. 

"The cannonade of this place lasted nine days 
and nights without ceasing ; when, finding that, from 



156 MEMOIR OF 

its natural and acquired advantages, it could be taken 
only with infinite difficulty, and, when taken, could 
not be held, on account of the Citadel, the enemy 
abandoned their enterprise, after having committed 
this cruel devastation. The Archduchess of Austria 
touched several mortars which were fired into Lisle ; 
by which her name will be handed down to infamy. 

" This place was fortified by the famous Vauban 
in the time of Louis IV., and is esteemed his chef- 
d'ceuvre. 

" The Citadel is esteemed the finest in Europe ; and, 
although we were assured that no person could gain 
admittance, our curiosity urged us to the attempt ; 
which was attended with success, and the highest 
degree of gratification. When we asked admittance 
of the sentinel who was at the outer gate of the 
Citadel, our cards of admittance were demanded ; and 
the soldier was surprised to find we were not fur- 
nished with any, and told us we could not repass 
without them. We were conducted to the command- 
ant, who received us with a great deal of politeness. 
We told him that we were Americans, and showed him 
our passports, saying that we were desirous of seeing 
this fortress, celebrated throughout the world as the 
chef-d'oeuvre of Vauban. He said he would gratify 
us ; and immediately sent the secretary with us, and 
told him to show us every thing that was curious. 
We were flattered very much by this civility, which 
was what we had no right to expect. The young 
man who conducted us explained every part of the 
works to us, and showed us all that was to be seen. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 157 

The Citadel, when completely garrisoned, is capable of 
holding eight thousand men ; for which number there 
are complete accommodations. All the barracks and 
magazines are built in brick and stone ; and are very 
neat, and well constructed. There are also subterra- 
neous barracks and hospitals, equal to the accommo- 
dation of the complete garrison, in case the barracks 
should be destroyed. All parts of the works are 
mined ; and the fortifications are so constructed, that, 
in case the city is taken, there cannot be a single 
piece of artillery brought to bear upon the Citadel ; 
whereas the strongest works of this fortress are op- 
posed to the city ; and it would not be possible for the 
enemy to keep possession of it three hours, if the 
batteries from the Citadel were opened upon them. 

" After we had taken a very particular survey of the 
Citadel, the gentleman told us that we had seen every 
thing there which was worthy of notice ; and he ob- 
served, that we could now say we had seen the finest 
piece of workmanship, of the kind, that genius and art 
had to boast of We returned on the same route by 
which we had entered, and went immediately to our 
lodgings, not a little fatigued with our ramble, and dis- 
posed to breakfast. It was ten o'clock when we got 
home, and we had set off at six ; so that we had been 
about four hours without any respite from walking. 

"At eleven o'clock, we left Lisle, after being obliged 
to hire private horses to take us to the first post. 
Through the first post, the road was entirely torn up 
by the cannon and heavy wagons which had passed 
over the pavement during the siege, and made it diffi- 



158 MEMOIR OF 

cult to pass. We, however, got on to Carvin without 
any accident. This is a small village ; the houses 
miserable huts, filled in with mud, and covered with 
straw. The postilion, in expectation of being well 
paid for his services, drove off, with a crack of his 
whip, at full gallop ; and an hour saw us at the Post 
House at Lens. I was surprised to see the people on 
the road and in the village so well dressed ; and, upon 
inquiry, found it was for Sunday. This is a great 
proof of their disapprobation of the new division of 
time adopted in France, and is a sign of its falling off 
altogether. I asked some of the good folks if they 
went to Mass ; and they answered, that any one who 
wished to say Mass did it how or where he pleased. 
The churches are not yet opened ; but it is expected 
that they shortly will be so universally. I asked a 
young woman, who was standing at the door of the 
Post House, if she had been to church. She answered, 
that she was too good a republican to go to places of 
that kind. She appeared to be about sixteen years 
of age ! I do not think, however, that the system of 
Robespierre has had this effect generally. Like per- 
secutions of every kind, it rather attached those who 
thought it an oppression to the object of it than 
weaned them from it ; and the women, in particular, 
were made enemies of the revolution by this most im- 
politic measure of restraining people in their mode of 
worship. With those who have any religion, all the 
laws that man can enact will not succeed in changing 
their minds. The unhappy effect was on those who 
had hearts to commit bad actions, but who were kept 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 159 

within bounds by the fear of a day of reckoning ; so 
that, when all fear of this kind was removed, they 
gave way to the commission of crimes which blacken 
the history of this country. 

" We set off for Arras. Our last postilion having 
made a good report of our liberality, we had nothing 
to complain of We had but poor horses; but the 
driver had all the disposition to get them on in the 
world. 

" There is a kind of grass very common here, which 
is called sain foin^ or, in English, wholesome hay, 
which looks very beautifully in the fields. It has 
more likeness, when at a distance, to clover than to 
any other herb I know; but, when near, it is quite 
different. Its color is a bright murrey ; and its quality 
is much more esteemed than even clover. It is sold 
at nearly twice the price of any other hay which is 
grown in the country. 

" At about half the distance from Lens to Arras, 
there is a hill, over which the highway runs, which 
affords one of the most superb prospects I ever saw. 
From this eminence, we came in sight of Arras ; and 
we were petrified at the thought of all the horrors of 
which this place has been the theatre. Robespierre 
was born in this place ; and most unnaturally doomed 
it to destruction, by sending Lebon to reside here as 
representative of the people. The unlimited power 
which has been annexed to this appointment has 
caused thousands of sacrifices in this devoted country. 
Had the judges and juries which composed the revo- 
lutionary tribunals been chosen indiscriminately from 



160 MEMOIR OF 

among the people, it is to be presumed that thousands 
would have been spared who had no crimes to be 
charged with but that of being virtuous, and having 
spoken against some of the sanguinary measures of 
the bloodthirsty men who held the bloody axe over 
the heads of their unhappy countrymen. The fact was 
otherwise : they were, in all instances, the creatures of 
the representative who was in commission where the 
tribunal was held ; and they generally proved them- 
selves faithful servants of their hellish masters. 

" Perhaps there never was a situation in which 
people were more at a loss how to act than those 
who had nothing to do with government affairs, at a 
certain period, throughout the Republic. A smile 
has been construed as an indication of the probable 
success of a premeditated plot ; and he who wore it 
paid the forfeit with his life. A pensive countenance 
was construed into a design in contemplation against 
the state ; and, if a person staid at home to avoid so 
critical a situation as hazard might have thrown him 
into while mixing with the crowd, it was observed 
by one of the thousand emissaries employed by those 
who sought for blood ; and an accusation was brought 
against him, as brooding over mischief at home, and 
threatening the unity and indivisibility of the Re- 
public. These are among the many crimes charged 
against Lebon, and from which he cannot clear him- 
self before his judges. As the appointment of the 
tribunal was by the representative, he had also the 
power of changing its members as often as he pleased, 
or as frequently as they did not carry into effect his 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 161 

sanguinary measures. An old man was devoted by 
Lebon to death on the scaffold, and was sent to trial 
by those judges, from whom few escaped but by the 
gate of death. His virtues were many, his character 
unimpeachable ; no charge against him had the smallest 
degree of support; and he was dismissed, and, to the joy 
of his friends and family, returned as from the grave. 
He was very rich, and was an object of the avarice of 
this monster ; who no sooner heard that the man whom 
he had doomed to death had been spared, than he sent 
for the judges, and demanded how it came to pass 
that he was not condemned. They answered, that 
there was not the smallest shadow of support to the 
charges ; and that, without some show of reason, they 
could not condemn one who was of so fair a character ; 
and they had therefore cleared him. He dismissed 
them from his presence in a rage, broke them all, and 
named new judges ; and had the innocent citizen, 
who supposed himself now secure (having passed the 
fiery ordeal), once more torn from his friends, and 
sent to the tribunal. The same afternoon, he was 
beheaded on the scaffold; his property was confis- 
cated, and his wretched family thrown into prison. 

" It is not surprising that every one is exasperated 
against Lebon, to a great degree, in this city and the 
neighborhood. I had always supposed that the rich 
alone had been the sufferers in the excesses that have 
been committed in France ; but I now find that this 
is not the fact. The principle was to spread terror 
throughout all classes of citizens ; and therefore the 
farmer and artisan, as well as the merchant and noble- 

21 



162 MEMOIR OF 

man, were involved in the general calamity. It would 
be dangerous to commit such power to the most virtu- 
ous of the community as was put into the hands of 
the representatives on mission. 

" I am informed, on good authority, that the wife 
of Lebon was, if possible, more inhuman than he 
himself; and that once, when only three or four 
persons were to be guillotined, upon being told of it, 
that she might attend, as was her usual custom, she 
observed that it was no object to see so sorry a spec- 
tacle as only three or four would make. I think the 
horrid passion of this woman may be traced to avarice, 
which was fed by the death of so many unfortunate 
persons, who all contributed to fill the coffers of her 
husband ; while her person was adorned with jewels 
rifled from their widows and orphans. There re- 
mained a vast number of persons in prison, at the 
time of the overthrow of Robespierre, in almost every 
part of the Republic. His death gave them their 
liberty ; and their places are now occupied by their 
persecutors. When this system of retaliation will 
cease, God only knows. 

" 8th. — We were off at six o'clock ; and intended to 
breakfast at Doulens, which is a post and a half from 
where we lodged: but the Post House did not afford 
any thing eatable ; and we were, therefore, obliged to 
have recourse to our wine and bread, in place of a 
more agreeable repast. We found the post-horses at 
Doulens the worst we had met on the road ; and, al- 
though it is but six leagues to Amiens, we fear we 
shall get there at a late dining-hour. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 163 

" The province of Picardy, of which Amiens is the 
capital, is very highly cultivated in grain and pas- 
turage, and abounds with fruit ; but has not the fine 
hills and vales, interspersed with extensive woods, 
which delight the eye in the province of Artois, of 
which Arras is the seat of government. To supply 
the place of wood, turf is the general fuel of the 
province. 

" We got on to Amiens by two o'clock, where we 
found a table d'hote prepared. This place has the 
appearance of great antiquity. The buildings are 
mostly in a decaying state. The streets seem to be 
abandoned, except by beggars ; by whom our carriage 
was surrounded, as soon as we halted at the door of 
the auberge. We felt too much inclined to get some- 
thing to satisfy our hunger to make the accustomed 
settlement with this class of miserables ; and could 
not have passed them without harsh usage, had we 
not promised them something when we should be 
about to depart. This had the efiect which was to 
be expected ; and, when we were ready to return to 
our carriage, we found the court-yard full of the halt 
and the blind. They had sounded the alarm, and 
were re-enforced from all quarters. Having made a 
provision of small bills, we sallied forth, and were 
astonished to see the number of poor creatures who 
were collected to ask for something in the name of 
God. There were always a great number of beggars 
in France; but the number must have necessarily 
very much increased with the distresses of the coun- 
try in general. Many, who were once supported by a 



164 MEMOIR OF 

son who has been sent into the army, or by a husband 
who has been dragged to slaughter, are now reduced 
to this melancholy alternative for the support of a 
miserable existence. 

" We met with an inhabitant of Arras at the tahle 
d'hote who was once destined as a victim by the bloody 
mandate of Lebon ; and would have shortly had his , 
trial, had not the Jacobin party fallen. Among a 
variety of facts which mark Lebon as the Nero of his 
age, at least in cruelty, this gentleman told us of one, 
which shows that he took pleasure in refining on the 
principle he had laid down. On a day in which seve- 
ral persons were to be executed, and when one was 
already tied, and the axe was on the point of falling, 
he cried to the executioner to stop. The unhappy 
man was raised, and stood in a state of awful suspense. 
As he was conscious of his innocence, he had a mo- 
mentary gleam of hope that his rectitude had been 
made to appear, and that the paper which Lebon held 
in his hand was his pardon. When all was silence, 
Lebon read an account of a victory of small impor- 
tance, which he had just received tidings of from 
Paris ; having finished which, he told the executioner 
to proceed in the business of death. The person who 
gave us the account of this incident, said he was 
present when it occurred. It is astonishing that the 
great majority of the people of this country should 
have remained so long torpid under such a state of 
tyranny. The fact is, that all classes of people were 
petrified ; and no one dared to communicate with his 
friends, much less with people in general, respect- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 165 

ing the evil that every one felt. Terror hung over 
the nation ; and no one dared to show the way to 
opposition, lest what was the effect of a principle of 
self-defence should be construed as the result of a 
counter-revolutionary principle. This has been the 
watchword for all the horrors that have blackened 
the history of the country. A word, and sometimes 
a look, was taken for incivism ; and immolation was 
the consequence. There was an unparalleled activity 
in those bloodthirsty men, which did not give time to 
those, who had courage to contemplate a plan of op- 
posing the bloodsuckers of the country, to put their 
wishes in practice. The excesses of Carrier in Nantes 
and its vicinity ended in an open war in that part of 
the country, which has caused the Republic the loss 
of more than three hundred thousand men, — or rather 
inhabitants ; for there was no distinction of age or 
sex : all fell before the victors, whether rebels or 
republicans. The sanguinary disposition of Carrier 
was not contented with the tardy mode of execution 
which the guillotine offered: so he had boats con- 
structed, into which he plunged indiscriminately men, 
women, and children; and, merely opening a valve 
which was in the bottom, the boat sunk with the 
unhappy passengers. . . . 

" Paris, 16th. — The weather is becoming extremely 
pleasant, and entices one from the walls of Paris ; 
which, as the season advances, is becoming very dis- 
agreeable from the heat and filth. 

" We are informed this day that the trial of the 
eight deputies of the National Convention, who were 



166 MEMOIR OF 

decreed of accusation by their colleagues, as promoters 
of the disturbances of the 1st of Prairial, is to come 
on before the Military Commission. This court has 
been established since the Revolutionary Tribunal was 
abolished. It is neither more nor less than a court- 
martial, and is composed of eight officers of rank. 
They have had the trial of all those persons who have 
been arrested as concerned in the attempt against the 
Convention, many of whom they have sent to expiate 
their crime at the guillotine. 

" The name of the Revolutionary Tribunal has been 
detested throughout this country ; for it has con- 
demned all the martyrs who have suffered in the 
cause of liberty through the influence of Robes- 
pierre ; and, indeed, all who suffered by the guillotine 
had their mock-trial at this bar. The last trials be- 
fore this tribunal were those of its former judges, 
jurors, and attorney-general ; who were tried for the 
crimes they had committed while in office, and con- 
demned to die for their unheard-of cruelties by the 
same machine to which they had condemned thou- 
sands. This was esteemed the most just thing that 
was ever done by this tribunal ; and with it ended its 
existence, a short time previous to the insurrection of 
the faubourgs. As there was no criminal court esta- 
blished, the Military Commission was created, for the 
purpose of trying those concerned in that affair. It 
is held in the house of an emigrant, which can hold 
but few persons. We found a large body of people 
waiting, and very much feared we should not gain 
admittance ; but Mr. Russell, having an ambassador's 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. • 167 

ticket of entrance to the National Assembly, obtained 
permission for us to enter. We were introduced into 
the room where the court sat, which was capable of 
holding about sixty or seventy spectators. The names 
of the members who were accused were Bourbotte, 
Rhull, Romme, Goujon, Du Roy, Forestier, Dusques- 
noy, Soubrany, and Peyssard. Rhull, unable to un- 
dergo a trial which he supposed would be but a 
prelude to his death on the scaffold, put an end to his 
existence the day before yesterday. When we entered, 
we found Bourbotte before the court. He was seated 
in the centre of that part of the room occupied by the 
court, and was guarded on each side by a soldier, who 
held a drawn sword in his hand. The judges were 
dressed in their regimentals. Three or four of them 
showed by their uniform that they were general offi- 
cers ; and seemed, from their conduct, to have some 
fellow-feeling for the unfortunate men who were ar- 
raigned before them. There were eight sentinels in 
the room; and every thing looked martial. There was 
also a body of troops in the court-yard below. Bour- 
botte is a very handsome, well-made man, of about 
thirty-five years of age. He was accused of being one 
of the members of the Convention, who, on the night 
of the 1st of Prairial (or 22d of May last), made 
some of the motions upon which certain decrees were 
passed by the few members who remained in the hall 
of the Convention. One of his motions is said to 
have been for the immediate arrest of the members of 
the Committee of Public Safety and General Surety. 
He denies this ; but there is a person who has proved 



168 MEMOIR OF 

that he was in one of the tribunes, and that he him- 
self heard him make the motion, and second others 
equally anti-moderL He was asked by the president 
of the court-martial if he had any observations to 
make upon the evidence of the person who had been 
giving his deposition ; and answered, that he had 
nothing more to say than he had before said in an- 
swer to the interrogations which had been put to him. 
Every thing that is deposed by a witness, or answered 
in defence by the prisoner, is taken down by a secre- 
tary, as the one or the other speaks ; so that the 
prisoner speaks as many words as he supposes the 
secretary can remember, who writes them down, and 
then goes on with all he has to say. When the pri- 
soner has finished, it is read to him, that he may 
agree to its being what he uttered ; after which, he 
signs it, as confirmation of its validity. I should have 
supposed, that, uttering in this way perhaps half a 
sentence at a time, one would lose the thread of the 
defence, and would labor under a great disadvantage. 
This, however, was not the case in any instance this 
day, that I remember, as respected those on trial. The 
witnesses appeared much less cool and collected than 
those whom they accused, and made several mistakes 
in keeping the thread of their testimony. The pri- 
soner had his snuff-box, which he carelessly twirled 
betwixt his thumb and finger, occasionally taking 
from it a pinch of snuff. He showed not the smallest 
signs of fear ; although he must be sensible, and 
undoubtedly is so, that, in three or four days, the 
thread of his existence will be cut. The evidence is 
very full against him, and nothing can save him. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 169 

" The witness deposed, among other thmgs, that he 
heard the prisoner say that he had just come from a 
coffee-house in the neighborhood, and that he had 
taken there several glasses of wine ; and, from the 
warmth of his expressions, he (the witness) supposed 
him to be intoxicated. The prisoner smiled, but an- 
swered nothing. 

" Forestier is an old man, and the charges against 
him are light ; and I am of opinion that he will not 
be found guilty. 

"The witness who was examined respecting Du 
Roy, Homme, and Goujon, testified that he saw three 
of the members (describing them according to their 
dress and appearance) very warmly taking a part in 
the Convention in forming the decrees which were 
made on that memorable night. The prisoners were 
severally called in ; and the witness said they were the 
persons he alluded to. They observed, that, in such a 
situation as the witness was in, and in the tumults of 
that night, it could not be possible for him to be 
certain of the identity of their persons. This idea 
seemed to me to be rational enough ; but the rest of 
the audience smiled at the idea. They all answered, 
upon being asked if they had any further defence to 
make, that their answers to the interrogatories put by 
the court were their defence ; and they said not much 
to the witnesses who were examined. 

" These members are all of what is called the Moun- 
tain party in the Convention. This is another name 
for Jacobin ; and therefore all Paris is against them, 
since the Convention (that is to say, the Moderes) 

22 



170 MEMOIR OF 

have got the day. How it would have been, had 
the faubourgs got the upper hand, there is no know- 
ing. Goujon is quite a young man. One of the 
witnesses deposed that he heard him speak with 
a great deal of warmth on the night of the 1st ; on 
hearing which, Goujon asked, with a smile of indigna- 
tion, what member of sensibility there was who would 
not show warmth on such a night as that. He seems 
a very intelligent young man, of about twenty-six 
or twenty-eight. If his fate is to be a guillotine, Mr. 
Russell and I are of opinion he will meet it like a 
man. Indeed, they all show an astonishing degree 
of coolness and reconciliation to the fate that awaits 
them, particularly Bourbotte, who, as he left the room, 
bowed and smiled upon several persons, who were, I 
suppose, some of his acquaintance. There is one 
thing respecting this trial which I cannot think quite 
right. When these men were decreed of accusation, 
and ordered to be tried by the Military Commission, 
they called upon several members of the Convention 
as witnesses in their favor. The court referred the 
propriety of calling the members of that body, who 
had been their accusers, as witnesses ; and the Conven- 
tion, after discussing the point, agreed that the court 
were competent to determine every thing of that kind, 
and passed to the order of the day. The fact is, the 
members were not called! Had there been a ques- 
tion of calling any of the members of that body, who 
accused the prisoners, in behalf of the government, 
it would not have been right ; but that they should 
deny this privilege to the accused, seems to me extraor- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 171 

dinary. The judge informed us, at about half-past 
three, that the court would be opened again the next 
day at twelve o'clock. As I was going out, the officer 
who conducted us to the chamber told me, that, if I 
wished to see them receive sentence, I must come 
by eleven o'clock to-morrow. There seems to be no 
doubt in the minds of the people how this business 
will terminate ; and I dare say they would not be 
insured from the axe of the law for ninety-nine per 
cent. Romme appeared to me to be the only one who 
had fear marked upon his countenance. He is very 
obnoxious to the reigning party; and they will rejoice 
at his fate, should it be execution on the Place de la 
Revolution. If possible, I shall go to the commission 
to-morrow. 

"Exchange this day rather better than for some 
days past. I am told that guineas have been sold for 
five hundred and fifty to-day. They were eight hun- 
dred yesterday. There is a report about finance once 
more coming forward, which occasions this. 

"17th. — Mr. Russell and myself having business 
to attend to until one o'clock, we did not go out as we 
intended. We then went into the Rue St. Honore to 
call on Mr. Pearsall, where we heard that judgment 
had been pronounced upon six of the eight deputies, 
and that they were to be executed immediately. We 
felt anxious to see the conduct of men, who had smiled 
at death at a distance, upon a nearer and more cer- 
tain approach of the king of terrors. We took a 
stand in the street which leads into the Place de la 
Revolution, where the guillotine was already erected, 



172 MEMOIR OF 

although the prisoners had not been condemned above 
an hour. We had not waited long before we saw the 
horse-guards approach ; and, soon after, the prisoners, 
upon a cart. We found there were but three of them 
in the cart, whom we recognized as Bourbotte, Du 
Roy, and Soubrany. The first was sitting erect in 
the cart, and the others were lying upon their backs. 
We did not know how to account for this, until we 
saw they were all weltering in their blood ; and we 
soon heard that they had all attempted to take their 
own lives as soon as they were remanded to prison. 
Bourbotte looked very pale from the loss of blood ; 
but his appearance was as placid and as little agitated 
as if he were taking an airing in a coach ; and he 
looked round with a smile upon us barbarians who 
were assembled to see him die. The guards were very 
strong, and were all troops of the line. When the 
cart arrived at the guillotine, Soubrany was lifted out, 
and laid upon the plank without being tied. There 
was very little life remaining in him ; and a few hours 
must have relieved him, had the execution of the 
sentence been procrastinated. It is common for all 
the prisoners to descend from the cart upon their 
arrival at their place of execution; and they are 
placed in such a manner that they do not see the 
sentence performed upon their fellow-sufferers. On 
this occasion, it was otherwise. The situation of Sou- 
brany was such that he could not support himself; 
and Du Roy was little better: and they therefore 
backed the cart to the scaffold, which was then about 
upon a level with it, that those who were unable to help 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 173 

themselves might be the more easily conducted to the 
machine. In this situation, Bourbotte saw the opera- 
tion performed upon his fellow-sufferers without an 
emotion. The two first had lost their senses, and 
were laid on the plank without a motion which 
showed sensibility. It now remained for us to see 
such fortitude as has not been witnessed since the 
revolution. It has been the wonder of every one, 
who has witnessed the executions in France, to see 
the fortitude displayed almost without exception. 
The high pitch of enthusiasm to which the minds 
of the people in France is wound up will carry them 
through any suffering, I imagine, provided their natu- 
ral strength is left to them ; but I had supposed, that, 
when that was destroyed, this noble constancy would 
forsake them. Bourbotte was a strong proof to the 
contrary. His wound was in the side ; and his face 
bespoke, by its paleness, the great loss of blood he had 
suffered : yet, notwithstanding this, he raised himself 
from the cart, and, I imagine, requested to have his 
hands untied; which was done. He looked round 
upon the crowd with a smile upon his countenance, 
and bowed his head with a grace which spoke the 
softness of his manners. His voice had so much 
failed him that I could not hear what he said. He 
was not tied upon the plank, but simply laid down ; 
and the executioner was precipitating his head under 
the fatal axe, when, to the astonishment of every one, 
and the execration of the butcher who was thus em- 
ployed, it was perceived that the head of Bourbotte 
struck the top of the axe, which had not been raised, 



174 MEMOIR OF 

as is common, after the last head was oiF. The prison- 
er was therefore raised up again on the scaffold while 
the axe was placed. He still smiled ; and it was not 
a smile of annoyance, but of complaisance ; and my 
friend Mr. Russell, who was rather nearer to the stage 
than I was, heard him say, ' Farewell, my friends ! 
Long live the Republic ! ' After which, he pushed 
down the collar of his coat, laid himself down a 
second time, and, in a second, was ushered into eter- 
nity. Never was there more fortitude shown than on 
this occasion ; and the manner in which this man 
died convinces me— although it is the general opinion 
that his intention was to make a revolution in the 
present state of affairs, and of course he deserved the 
death he met — that he thought himself in the right, 
and felt a conscious rectitude, which supported him to 
this great degree under his sufferings. 

" 18th. — Yesterday afternoon, I left Paris to pass 
Decadi at the cMteau of my friend Russell. 

"We have to-day the journal of yesterday after- 
noon, which tells us that Romme, Goujon, and Dus- 
quesnoy, as soon as they were remanded to the prison, 
after receiving the fatal sentence, stabbed themselves 
to the heart, and died instantaneously. Bourbotte, 
Du Roy, and Soubrany, were less successful in their 
attempt upon their lives. Their wounds were undoubt- 
edly mortal; but their object was not completed, which 
was to avoid dying on the scaffold. It distresses me 
to learn that several of these unfortunate men leave 
families. As soon as the judge had pronounced the 
sentence of death, Goujon handed his miniature pic^ 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS, 175 

tiire to him, and requested that it might be given to 
his wife. Dusquesnoy also gave a letter to the judge, 
which he said contained his last adieu to his wife and 
other friends, and observed that he hoped that his was 
the last innocent blood which would be shed in the 
Republic. ' May it,' said he, ' serve to consolidate 
the Republic ! ' and added, ' Long live the Repub- 
lic ! ' Bourbotte said to the commission, that it was 
the enemies of liberty alone who had wished that his 
blood should be shed. ' My last wish, my last sigh,' 
said he, ' shall be for my country.' All those who 
were condemned then gave their pocket-books, letters, 
and a number of other articles, to the judge, for their 
friends ; after which, they were reconducted to prison, 
where they immediately attempted their own lives. 
Forestier and Peyssard were condemned, — the first to 
imprisonment, and the second to transportation. When 
the prisoners were put into the cart, Du Roy burst 
forth into exclamations against those around them ; 
and, among other things, he said, ' Great God ! were 
these hands made to be tied by executioners 1 How 
unhappy am I, to have failed in my attempt on my 
life!' Soubrany breathed a wish that they would 
leave him to die. Bourbotte did not utter a sentence, 
but looked about him with the same coolness that he 
had preserved during his trial. It is a pity such men 
could not have died in a better cause. There seems 
to be no doubt, that, had they succeeded in their object 
on the 1st Prairial, hundreds must have gone for every 
one at this time. 

"The sisters of young Goujon demanded admit- 



176 MEMOIR OF 

tance to the bar of the Assembly, but were refused. 
Their object undoubtedly was to ask the life of their 
unfortunate brother. They were referred to the Com- 
mittee of Surete Generale ; and I did not hear what 
answer they got to their intercessions. The fact is 
that their brother was dead by the time they could 
have got to the committee.* 

* To those who do not remember the decisive effect of this execution, which extinguished 
Sans-culottism, it may be convenient to be reminded of the course of events in the French 
revolution. When the king was beheaded, in January, 1793, the party in the ascendant was 
that of the Girondistsj aiming at the total subversion of monarchy and the construction of 
government in a new form, but showing no inclination for rapine or wanton cruelty. They 
were, however, unable to direct the storm which had been raised. A few mouths afterwards, 
they were overpowered and guillotined, or dispersed, by the Sans-culottes, or the party called 
" the Mountain," of whom Robespierre was the leader. From the terrible destruction which 
followed, the time while he was in power was denominated " the reign of terror." It ended 
in July, 1794, when he in turn was guillotined, chiefly through the influence of those who had 
been his adherents. They found that he was planning their own destruction, as his jealousy 
had led him to effect that of his former associate, Danton. They were not, however, averse 
to his sanguinary measures : they meant to continue them. But the terror was over as 
soon as his death was announced. The executions were stopped, and most of those in 
prison released. The agitations in Paris during the year that followed were, for the most 
part, caused by the struggles of " the Mountain " to regain the ascendency. The foregoing 
diary, written on the spot, and giving the daily events for a portion of that year as they trans- 
pired, may be useful to those who wish to inquire further. The last effort of the party was 
that of Bourbotte and his associates. Their execution was followed by the establishment of 
the Directory, under whose auspices Napoleon soon commenced his career. It is to be regret- 
ted that the diary was not continued for a few weeks longer in Paris, as it would then proba- 
bly have contained a graphic description of his first essay there with the mob, on the 13th 
Vendemiaire. 

The following statement of the number of those who lost their lives in the French revolu- 
tion will serve to meet some very natural inquiries on that subject. Precise accuracy is hardly 
to be expected in such a case ; but this has been cited as an approximation to the truth, with 
the remark, however, that there are stUl some omissions in it : — 

Guillotined by sentence of the Revolutionary Tribunal : — 

Nobles 1,278 

Noble women 750 

Wives of laborers and artisans 1,467 

Religieuses 360 

Priests 1,135 

Common persons, not noble 13,623 

18,603 

Women died of premature childbirth 3,400 

Women died in childbirth from grief 348 

Women killed in La Vendee 15,000 

Children killed in La Vendee 22,000 

Men slain in La Vendee 900,000 

Victims under Carrier, at Nantes 32,000 

Victims at Lyons .....; 31,000 

1,022,351 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 177 

"We have this day the melancholy news of the 
death of that brave man and great general, Pichegru. 
The paper of this morning announces his fall on the 
field of honor before Mayence. France could not 
have lost a braver man, or a better friend to the liber- 
ty of his country. His memory will never die in the 
breast of any one who admires great talents and tried 
virtue. Every one speaks with affection of this brave 
officer, and seems ready to pay to his memory all 
possible honors, 

" Ten o'clock in the evening. — The report of the 
death of Pichegru is officially contradicted by the 
Committee of Public Safety. This rejoices every heart; 

It appears from this, that about nine-tenths of those who perished were killed in the civil 
war of La Vendee. The number of nobles beheaded appears small, — most of that order 
having fled from France. It has been supposed that the atrocities which followed are in 
some measure to be attributed to this general emigration of the noblesse, — there being no 
class left who were capable of withstanding the influence and outrages of demagogues ; whereas 
if more of them had remained at home, as had been the case with the nobility of England 
in the revolution of the preceding century, although there might have been as great loss of 
life, it would probably have been in warfare rather than by murder. The proportion of com- 
mon people, artisans, and mechanics, was surprisingly large for a revolution against the higher 
orders. 

Some statements that have been made of the whole number executed in Paris appear in- 
credibly small, after the terrible exhibitions there, unless it be remembered that the duration 
of the reign of terror was little more than a year ; that there was but one place of execution 
there at a time, with but one guillotine for the city ; and that one exhibition daily was sufil- 
cient in most cases, probably, to satisfy the desire for the sight of blood; though, being 
described by hundreds of witnesses, it might be so reported as to be mistaken for several occur- 
rences of the same kind, and to represent tenfold the actual nvmibers. 

Estimates have been made, for comparison, in regard to number, to cruelty in execution, 
and extensive consequences to relatives, between the victims in the revolution and the Hugue- 
nots destroyed in the massacre of St. Bartholomew's under Charles IX., the latter being vari- 
ously rated at thirty thousand up to one hundred thousand or more. With great uncertainty 
in results, enough is ascertained to show that the spirit of bigotry, whether stirred in support 
of dogmas under the gospel of charity and peace, of despotic power, or of unlicensed freedom, 
can easUy justify itself, in its own view, for the use of torture and murder as its weapons, 
without regard to age or sex, and without limit in number. 

The remarks on the former mode of agriculture in France that have been given in the 
foregoing pages suggest some interesting comparisons with the present state of things. For a 
hundred thousand land-holders there before the revolution, there are now several millions. 
An English writer has spoken of the whole product of the country as greatly diminished by 

23 



178 MEMOIR OF 

and joy takes the place of grief, with which every one 
was affected after hearing this morning's report. 

" The Commission of Twenty-one, who were ap- 
pointed to examine the charges of accusation against 
Joseph Lebon, have reported to the Convention, that, 
after examining two thousand nine hundred charges 
and vindications concerning the said Joseph, they are of 
unanimous opinion that there is reason of accusation 
against him. For the credit of human nature, I am 
happy to hear that there is no support to the charge 
which has been reported against this man, — of his 
having made the prostitution of a wife the price of a 
pardon for the husband, and caused him to be exe- 
cuted, after all, in her presence * It is wished that 

the subdivision of property in land that has followed the radical change in the laws of inheri- 
tance, which he thinks is shown by the falling off in exports. The late Mr. Colman, who 
went from Boston to write agricultural reports from Europe, gave it as the result of his obser- 
Tation, after witnessing the wretchedness of the agricultural population in England, that this 
general division had produced the happiest effect in France. It seems probable that the fall- 
ing off indicated by commercial returns may be fully accounted for by the fact, that the laborer, 
having now a larger share in the product of the soil, instead of being fed on those parts of it 
which are not fit for export, retains the better portion for his own use. In reference to errors 
arising from false deductions in statistics, it was recently urged with great force by a distin- 
guished savant, before the French Academy, that France affords a striking instance of this 
nature, not being herself a commercial country, and her exports having rather declined from 
causes that have vastly increased and diffused her internal wealth. The result of the appli- 
cation for a pubUc loan there is a striking fact in this connection. It was all readily furnished, 
and chiefly in small sums ; thousands joining in it, and becoming creditors of the government, 
who, but for that division, would doubtless be inhabitants of those miserable villages described 
in the text as appendant to the chhteaux, and barely subsisting on the rebut, or, as we should 
call it, the refuse, of the harvest. 

It was sagaciously remarked by a distinguished clergyman, in reference to the late 
renewal and failure of the attempt at a republic, that a century at least must elapse, with 
frequent political convulsions, before it can be expected that the great changes caused by the 
revolution shall have had their full effect, and France shall settle tranquilly down under the 
system of government that will be found best suited to the change of habits in her people. 

* In a former part of the diary, this conduct, in all its atrocity. Is imputed to Lebon ; 
and the admission here made, when his trial was approaching and he was abandoned to his 
fate, that the imputation could not be sustained, carries with it some historical interest, be- 
cause the same charge against this man has recently been renewed in Alison's " History of 
Europe." 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 179 

his execution may be at Arras. I find I speak of 
execution before the man is tried: it is as certain 
in my mind as his trial. Arras was the seat of 
the greatest of this man's villanies. Upwards of a 
hundred persons fell here during his reign; and a 
visit to Cambrai, which is at about eight leagues' dis- 
tance, cost that ill-fated city two hundred and sixteen 
of its best citizens. Whole streets cry for the blood 
of Lebon, and cry aloud.* 

" 25th. — Dull weather. The committee chosen to 
frame a constitution for this Republic made their report 
yesterday. Boissy d'Anglas read the report; which 
was much approved of, and promises to put the 
country, which has been so torn up by the roots by 
dissensions of every kind, under a lasting and good 
government. The principles are much the same as 
those upon which our government is founded. The 
executive, however, is vested in five, in lieu of one as 
with us ; and, as it appears, has nothing to do with 
the deliberations of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, or, as they are called here, the Council of 
the Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred. 
They have no negative upon their decrees; nor is 
it necessary to have any other confirmation of the 
laws proposed by the Council of Five Hundred than 
that of the Council of the Ancients. 

* Lebon was condemned, but not executed. He seems to have maintained, with some 
effect, that he could show authority for what he had done from those who were allowed to act 
in the name of the ConTention. He is said even to have been severely reproached at first for 
moderation, and to have advanced rather slowly to the frightful excess of his cruelty. When 
the red shirt was brought him, as the signal for execution, he desired that it might be taken 
to the National Conveution, who deserved it even more than he ; and the writer who prepared 
a notice of his life appears to think that, so far, he was nearly right. He escaped under the 
decree of amnesty which followed soon after. 



180 MEMOIR OF 

" The Executive Council has the same powers as the 
present Committee of Salut Public. They are to have 
respectable guards, and to live in a. style equal to 
what is expected from the executive of a great nation. 
I should have liked it still better if the Council of 
Five had been vested with the negative which the 
President of the United States has. That it may an- 
swer the most sanguine expectations of the warmest 
friends of the Republic, is my heartfelt wish. 

" 7th. — This morning, about eight o'clock, left 
Paris in a coach, in company with Mr. Pearsall and 
Mr. Sands, on a visit to Chantilly. 

" 8th. — At eleven o'clock, left Chantilly by a 
cross-road, to go to Ermenonville, which was the last 
residence of J. J. E-ousseau, and the place where, at 
Jiis request, he was laid after his decease. 

" The road from Chantilly to Ermenonville is princi- 
pally through the woods which composed the park of 
the Prince de Conde, and is as pleasant a ride as can 
be wished. The road is in some places bad, the soil 
being poor ; and, for a considerable distance, the sand 
is as deep as on Cape Cod in America. We had six 
horses ; and therefore had not much difficulty in 
getting along, though we were longer in going than 
we expected. The distance is five leagues from Chan- 
tilly, and the same from Paris as from this castle. 
"We arrived at Ermenonville at two o'clock. What 
makes this place particularly interesting is its having 
seen the last days of this celebrated man. The village 
is very small, and miserably poor. The chateau is now 
the property of the Marquis de Girardin, who was the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 181 

particular patron of Rousseau, and whose bounties he 
shared until his death. The chateau is a Gothic build- 
ing, and has nothing- in itself to attract attention but 
its situation, which is charming. It was one of the 
hunting-places of Henry IV. and, from its contiguity 
to a very extensive wood, was well situated for the 
purpose. 

" We no sooner arrived than a book was offered for 
sale, with representations of the place in twenty-five 
cuts. They are well done, and are very serviceable 
to one going over the grounds, as they point out the 
most remarkable things, some of which might pass 
unnoticed without it. A part of the waters which 
make one of the beauties of this place are cut off; 
and the Island of Poplars, as it is described, has now 
no water about it, and therefore loses a part of its 
beauty. 

" The day has been remarkably fine ; and we saw 
this delightful place under every possible advantage. 
Komance cannot picture any thing more attractive 
than Nature and Art combined have produced here. 
The grounds are well situated for the kind of im- 
provements which have been made ; and the united 
taste of Rousseau and Girardin has taken advantage 
of them. If there is a grot or a winding stream, 
you would say the hand of Nature, not Art, had 
placed them there ; and the disposition of every thing 
is as near the works of that goddess as possible. 
The useful and the agreeable are wonderfully united. 
The extent of the grounds is about eight hundred 
acres ; and you can walk over no part of it which is 
not extremely pleasant and interesting. 



182 MEMOIR OF 

" A melancholy event took place here a few years 
smce, which is not mentioned in the book I pur- 
chased, and therefore I shall note it. In keeping 
this memorandum-book, my object is not to describe 
the places I see, but merely to mention my having 
seen them, that I may have my recollection refreshed 
at a future day, and have it in my power to point out 
to those of my immediate connection such places as 
in my opinion may be worth their attention. I there- 
fore do not pretend to particularize what those who 
go over the same places would have an opportunity of 
seeing, but merely what may have fallen in my way 
by accident, and what, without a note, might escape 
them. It was the custom of M. Girardin to request 
the names of those persons who visited his grounds, 
that, in case any person of distinction was at Erme- 
nonville, he might have an opportunity of showing 
him civilities which he would not otherwise receive ; 
therefore the conductor was always ordered to ask 
the name and quality of those whom he was about to 
take over the place, and report them to the marquis. 
A gentleman, whose appearance was very much that of 
a person of distinction, wishing to see the place, the 
man whose business it was to show the grounds asked 
him his name, condition, &c. He answered, that he 
was without fortune, title, or name; and therefore 
requested that he might be excused from waiting on 
Monsieur Girardin, who, from his appearance, had 
been led to suppose he was a person of some note, 
and had therefore desired to offer him some atten- 
tion. He walked over every part of the gardens and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 183 

woods, and passed several hours in contemplating the 
beauties of the place. He then returned to the house, 
and took his leave. Four days afterwards, he returned 
to Ermenonville, and retired to a very romantic spot 
in the woods, where he ended his days with a pistol. 
He left in his pocket a note to M. Girardin, begging 
his forgiveness for the outrage he had committed upon 
his territory, but not mentioning the cause of it. The 
man who told me the story was the person who was 
with him the first time in the wood, and who has 
indeed, for twenty years, filled the same oifice he 
now does. He represents him as being about thirty 
years of age, and of a beautiful and engaging appear- 
ance. He spoke French well, though he was not a 
native of this country, but had more the appearance 
of being an Englishman than of any other nation ; 
and, from his end, I think it quite probable he was so. 
It is rather singular that they could never trace the 
place he came from, and to this day are uninformed 
as to every other circumstance respecting him save his 
exit. M. Girardin has raised a very decent stone 
to mark the place where he lies, with this inscription, 
which I copied on the spot : — ■ 

'4 Juin, 1791. 
Helas, pauvre inconnu ! si tu tiens de I'amour 
Une obscure naissance et ta noble figure, 
Devois-tu, dans ces lieux, outrager la nature 
Comme un autre Werther, en t'y privant du jour ? ' 

"As it was the particular wish of M. Rousseau 
that his remains should rest where he had passed so 
many pleasant hours, it seems an outrage upon his 



184 MEMOIR OF 

ashes to take them from the place where they reposed, 
even to do them the honors of the Pantheon, where 
they now are, particularly as he is laid beside Voltaire, 
with whom he was on very bad terms, and between 
whom and himself there was no love lost. The monu- 
ment which held this remarkable man still remains 
in the Island of Poplars. The only inscription which 
was marked on the stone before the remains of llous- 
seau were removed was — 

' Ici repose I'homme dc la nature et de la verit6.' 

It is now changed to — 

* Ici reposa riiomme de la nature ct dc la vcritc.' 

" I never remember to have been more highly grati- 
fied than on this day. From what I had heard of the 
place from some countrymen of mine who had visited 
it a few days before, I was not in the expectation of 
being much pleased, and, perhaps from the disap- 
pointment, enjoyed it the more. 

" The water, woods, the vast number of beautiful 
poplars, and indeed every thing, serve to make it as 
romantic as one can imagine. We passed four hours 
at this place, and then set off for Paris. The ride 
through the park is fine, and indeed very interest- 
ing quite to Louvres, where we arrived about eight 
o'clock; and, finding we could not get post-horses 
that night, we made the best of it, and quietly went 
to rest. 

" We felt much gratified by our tour, and recom- 
mend every one who has a little spare time to make 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 185 

the same. M. Girardin still resides at Ermenonville, 
though he did not happen to be there when we visited 
his place. He was under arrest in the reign of terror; 
and would probably have shared the same fate with 
thousands of innocent persons, had Robespierre lived 
longer. Upon his exit, M. Girardin was liberated. 
He has the character of a very benevolent man, 
and is said to be much beloved by the village. He 
had built a house on purpose for Rousseau, which he 
never inhabited. He lived and died in a building 
contiguous to the chateau. 

"Rousseau died in 1778. His wife is still living 
in the neighborhood ; but, as she and her husband 
were not on good terms for years before his death, she 
is not taken any notice of by M. Girardin. As every 
one loved her husband, it is not unnatural that her 
ill conduct towards him should have caused her 
enemies." 

The diary is continued in England; and in these 
times, when travellers approach London and leave it 
by railroads, it may be a curiosity to see the remarks 
of a traveller made at the time when it was necessary 
to prepare for an attack of highwaymen, if crossing 
Blackheath in a post-chaise after dark ; and when it 
took the better part of a day, on leaving London, to 
go fifty-five miles to Oxford. Mr. Perkins was never 
robbed in England ; but he avoided it one night by 
threatening to shoot the driver, who seemed to linger, 
and, as was afterwards ascertained, was in league with 
some " gentlemen of the road." 

2i 



186 MEMOIR OF 

" 26th July, J1794. — This morning, I left Paris for 
Havre de Grace, with a light heart at the idea of once 
more bending my course towards my native country. 

" 27th. — This day is the anniversary of the over- 
throw of Robespierre and his party, and is ordered to 
be celebrated throughout the llepublic as ?Lfcte. The 
Convention is to be dressed in its robes, and an oration 
to be delivered. We have seen no parade on the road 
on account of the day. 

" 28th. — We find the packet, which is to take 
us across the Channel, will not sail until two days 
hence. 

" I have taken a very general survey of Havre de 
Grace and its harbor and basins this day, and find 
the latter very well worthy of attention. The city of 
Havre is built pnnci pally of stone and brick ; and 
the houses covered more with slate than tile, as in 
other tOAvns in France. The streets are tolerably 
regular, but narrow and dirty in the extreme. The 
situation of this place for business is excellent : with- 
in twelve hours' sail of England, and so near the sea, 
with the advantage of being the port through which 
Rouen and Paris, with all the manufacturing towns 
in their neighborhood, must be supplied, — advan- 
tages which are but rarely combined. The town is 
much smaller than I had imagined, — containing but 
about eighteen thousand inhabitants. The basins, 
which have been dug out for the admission of ship- 
ping, are competent to contain several hundred 
vessels ; and they are now at work upon another, 
larger than the two at present in use, and which I 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 187 

am told will, when complete, contain five hundred 
sail of vessels. They are all lined with brown stone ; 
and vessels of a thousand tons lie afloat constantly. 
They are extremely severe as to the execution of the 
laws to be observed in this harbor, or dock, respecting 
fires and candles ; which is undoubtedly very neces- 
sary, as the consequence would be fatal to most of 
the fleet, should one vessel take fire. There are two 
frigates now lying in the basins, fitting for a cruise. 

" Before the war, there was a large number of ves- 
sels engaged in the Guinea trade from this place. 
This, and indeed all other navigation belonging to 
the inhabitants, is at an end, excepting that with neu- 
trals, which is considerable. 

" 29th. — The captain who is to take us over is not 
yet ready to sail ; and I must murder this, and I fear 
another, day here. 

" I forgot to mention a peculiarity in the dress of 
the women's heads, which strikes a stranger as very 
odd. The head-dress consists of a cap, of which the 
fore part is drawn closely over the fore part of the 
head, and only shows the lower part of the hair on 
the forehead, which is smoothed down with pomatum 
as close as possible. The cap is made of muslin, and 
runs up to a peak ; which in some instances is, I am 
sure, half a yard high. From this peak are pendent 
two lappets, extending to the shoulder; which alto- 
gether form a very curious, and to my mind a very 
ridiculous, dress. 

"August 1st, Margate. — We made the land last 
evening about six o'clock, and saw an immense fleet 



188 MEMOIR OF 

of vessels passing and repassing. We were shown to 
a very elegant hotel, where we breakfasted ; and, at 
eleven o'clock, jumped into a post-chaise for London. 

" 2d. — The difference between travelling in France 
and England is very striking. Bad horses, and still 
more badly harnessed ; a ragged postilion, with a pair 
of jack-boots of about his own weight ; wretched 
inns, if they deserve that name at all ; and unac- 
commodating post-masters and inn-keepers, we have 
changed for horses that would grace the carriage of 
any one ; a postilion neatly dressed and complaisant ; 
inns where one can be as well accommodated as possi- 
ble, and half a dozen powdered beaux to receive you 
when you alight from your carriage. These items, to 
say nothing of a difference in point of price of about 
one hundred per cent, make up this difference. The 
roads, though not paved as in France, are remarkably 
good, and only want width to make them excellent. 
The number of carriages we met upon the road this 
day is surprising, and speaks the luxury of the inhabi- 
tants of the country. The country through which 
we have passed is admirably fine, and under high 
cultivation. The hedge fences which separate the 
grounds are highly ornamental, and serve very much 
to beautify the country. 

On our arrival at Dartford, we did not feel alto- 
gether satisfied with taking with us what articles of 
value we were possessed of; and therefore made up a 
package, and sent them by the mail-coach. There 
are but few post-chaises that take the risk of crossing 
Blackheath after dark, particularly if not armed ; 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 189 

but we were anxious to get to town, and therefore 
undertook it, and happily passed Shooter's Hill and 
Blackheath without any interruption ; and, at twelve 
o'clock, were set down at the London Coffee House, 
Ludgate Hill 



"12th. — To-day, fell in with a number of gentle- 
men who were going to visit Newgate ; and, as I had 
a curiosity to gratify as well as they, I was admitted 
as one of the party. Our introduction was through 
the sheriff ; and without this, or an acquaintance 
with the superintendent, it is difficult to get a view of 
this celebrated prison. To look at the walls of New- 
gate, one would suppose it was capable of standing 
a regular siege ; but experience proves to us that a 
London mob is capable of overcoming the enormous 
strength even of this place, which was attacked at the 
time of the Gordon riots, and every part of the inte- 
rior which was combustible was set on fire, and con- 
sumed. 

" The overseer of Newgate at this time is a man of 
much respectability, and appears to be as humane a 
being as is generally to be met with ; and there was 
not a prisoner whose rooms we visited whose eyes did 
not bless him as he passed. There are as many as 
eight different yards within the walls of the prison, 
where the prisoners can walk ; but, as it would not 
do to let them mix together, they are there separated 
in the day by walls of an immense height, and at 
night locked in their several rooms. This amelioration 
of the lot of misery of those whose misfortunes have 
placed them there has taken place within a few years ; 



190 MEMOIR OF 

and the police of the prison is now in conformity 
with the recommendations of the philanthropic Dr. 
Howard. The cleanliness of every apartment is very 
striking. 

"After we had visited the several parts of the felons' 
departments, and also those of debtors of a certain 
class, we were introduced to the chamber of a Mr. 
Lloyd, who, in the year 1793, was charged and con- 
victed of a seditious libel against the king and consti- 
tution of England, and condemned to an hour's exposi- 
tion in the pillory, three years' imprisonment, and to 
find sureties for his good behavior for five years for one 
thousand pounds. He has about six months still to 
suffer ; which, in comparison with what he has under- 
gone, seems but a short time. He calls himself an 
American ; and though he is not so by birth, yet he is 
truly so by residence, having taken the oaths necessary 
to qualify him as such. He complams loudly of our 
government not having interfered for him ; but cannot, 
in my opinion, reasonably expect it. When a man 
will live under a government which he does not call 
his own, of which he pays not for the support, and 
has nothing to do with except to receive its protec- 
tion from violence, he ought, most certainly, not to 
make himself busy with what he thinks the weak 
parts of it. It is enough for those who live under 
the government as citizens to find fault in public; 
and Mr. Lloyd's fate, though a hard one, he very 
richly deserved, in my opinion. 

" The celebrated Major Semple we also saw. He is 
now under sentence of transportation to Botany Bay 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 191 

for seven years. This extraordinary man was in 
America three years of the last war, and was wound- 
ed in the engagement of Bunker's Hill. Being en- 
tirely disabled by a ball in his groin, he returned to 
this country in 1778, and since that period has 
lived by his talents, by which, had they been turned 
to virtue instead of vice, he might have become one 
of the brightest gems of society. His understand- 
ing is very much refined and cultivated in various 
branches of literature ; and his appearance and man- 
ners are those of a perfect gentleman, and give him 
great advantages in deceiving those he may have a 
design upon. His principal crime has been swin- 
dling, of which he was master to as great a degree as 
was ever known. One pleasant story is told of him ; 
and I am afraid it is a fact. Being at two hundred 
miles' distance from London, and very anxious to get 
there, where his talents were at the best market, he 
pitched upon a mode which succeeded to a charm. 
Having accidentally heard that a gentleman, who 
was at a neighboring tavern, was about to set off for 
London alone, he threw himself in his way, and was 
cursing his ill stars that he was under the necessity 
of taking a journey of two hundred miles alone in a 
solitary post-chaise. The gentleman immediately in- 
quired which way his route lay ; when he informed 
him that he was going to London. The other said he 
esteemed himself very fortunate in having met him ; 
for he was about to take the same journey, and should 
have been under the necessity of going alone, if his 
good fortune had not thrown a companion in his 



192 MEMOIR OF 

way. When they arrived at the first post-house, 
Semple was going to pay his half the post-hire ; but, 
returning his money to his pocket, observed that it 
was best that one should pay the whole of the ex- 
pense, and that he would discharge his half upon 
their arrival at London. This was readily assented 
to. Semple called for the best the houses on the 
road afforded; and, upon their arrival in London, 
they drove to a tavern, and were to settle their ac- 
counts in the morning ; but, to the surprise and con- 
fusion of the dupe, Mr. Semple had taken himself off, 
and left him to put up with the loss of his money, 
and the reflection of having travelled as the friend of 
a man of this description. A few weeks after this 
elopement, Semple called upon the gentleman whom 
he had thus injured, and apologized to him by saying 
that he was without a farthing ; that his good stars 
had not smiled upon him since, for that he was now 
penniless: and he finished by requesting the loan 
of five guineas ; which was given him for his inge- 
nuity. The appearance of Semple warrants this 
story; and I am convinced I should have fallen a 
sacrifice to him in the same way, under similar cir- 
cumstances. 

" The crime for which he is now to be transported 
is for borrowing a shirt under some feigned name, 
and not returning it. This would not have sent him 
out of the country, had he not been before transported. 
I am told he is very eloquent in his defence, and 
astonishes all who see and hear him. His age I 
should suppose forty, and his general appearance as 
much that of a gentleman as can be imagined. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 193 

" Among others, we had pointed out to us a man 
who has had the epithet of savage affixed to him for 
his peculiar malice of disposition. He, for some time 
before his detection, stabbed women in the street 
with a knife he had made for the purpose. His 
habit was to get into a crowd, and then cut them 
across the hands or bosom; and his object seemed 
no other than to injure their persons, as no attempt 
was made to take their property. What his fate is I 
know not ; what he merits I can conceive. 

" I was the other day informed of a fact I had little 
idea of; which is, that the horses in England consume 
nearly half the whole produce of the soil. This, at 
first blush, will appear incredible ; but, when it is 
known that there is a horse to every six persons in 
the kingdom, this astonishment will decrease. It is 
said that the three kingdoms of England, Ireland, and 
Scotland, contain twelve millions of souls ; of which 
England numbers seven, Ireland three, and Scotland 
two ; so that England must, according to the calcula- 
tion above, contain 1,166,666 horses. And, as the 
estimation is that a horse will consume as much as 
six persons (of all ages), the assertion above, that the 
horses eat one-half of the produce of the earth, will 
appear undoubted. There have been several attempts 
to reduce the number, and horses are taxed very high ; 
but the wealth of those who possess them is sufficient 
to surmount this difficulty. The tax upon a single 
horse is light ; that upon two, higher ; and it ad- 
vances to a considerable sum upon the eighth or 
tenth horse. The number of horses which are daily 

25 



194 MEMOIR OF 

seen in London is almost incredible. I have observed 
some of the town-carts numbered as high as fifty-seven 
thousand ; and I am told they amount to sixty thou- 
sand. There are also twelve hundred hackney-coaches 
always on the stands in and about London. These 
make but an inconsiderable part of the number of 
horses belonging to private persons, public post-chaises, 
mail and stage coaches, riding-horses, &c. Besides 
the numbered carts, there are thousands not num- 
bered ; and the immense number of brewers' carts is 
not included. In some of the great avenues, the 
number of carriages is sometimes so great that one 
cannot cross the street for a long time together. 

" There is, perhaps, no place where a man may 
travel more at his ease than in England, or where 
he will pay more heavily for it. There is no part of 
the country a man can be in where he cannot have a 
post-chaise, for any distance, in five minutes from the 
time he calls for it ; and the despatch in going over 
the ground is as great as in preparing for it. Eight 
miles is the rate at which they commonly drive ; but 
they will, for a sixpence, add two more to it 

" 13th. — I yesterday dined with Mr. Deas, the 
American charge d'affaires, where I met with a young 
gentleman of the name of Huger, from South Caro- 
lina, who has just returned from Germany. While 
on the continent, he met with a particular friend of 
the Marquis de La Fayette, who was at that time 
digesting a plan for effecting the escape of the mar- 
quis, and in which he engaged our countryman to 
embark with him. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 195 

" As the marquis had feigned illness, and had per- 
mission to ride out under a guard of two men, the plan 
was that our adventurers should attack the guards, 
having first furnished horses at an appointed place, 
and that they should all take different routes. The 
plan was executed with success, so far as to rescue 
the marquis. They then separated. The alarm went 
forth ; but La Fayette,' when within twenty miles of 
the frontier of Germany, was asked for his passport. 
Having none to show, he was carried before the 
magistrate of the town, who was upon the point of 
discharging him, when one of the clerks of the house, 
who passed by accident through the room, no sooner 
saw the face of the marquis than he recognized him, 
and declared the fact immediately. He was recon- 
ducted to his prison, where he has been kept ever 
since with more rigor, but not enough to endanger 
his health. Huger and his friend were both taken 
and kept in close confinement eight months, where 
they suffered very severely, not having the use of 
books, pen, ink, or paper. Mr. Huger mentions a 
singular anecdote with regard to the marquis while in 
his first confinement. In the same prison where he 
was, there was one of his officers also confined. The 
officers who visited them being particularly charged 
to be careful that there was no correspondence be- 
tween them, they fell upon the following expedient : 
The rooms of the two friends were adjoining, — that 
is, they were only separated by an entry ; so that the 
dinner came to the marquis, and was immediately 
carried to his friend, or sometimes from his friend to 



196 MEMOIR OF 

him. Their general mess was carrot-soup. The mar- 
quis formed a piece of wood into the shape of a carrot, 
and colored it, making it hollow. Thus he wrote 
what he pleased; and, slipping the carrot into the 
large tub, his friend pitched upon that, and, when 
the jailer had returned, opened his artificial carrot, 
and feasted upon its contents. Thus they correspond- 
ed for some time ; until an accident happened, which 
entirely defeated any future attempt, or rather the 
success of any. As the attendant was carrying the 
soup from one room to the other, some one, who felt 
a great inducement to taste a carrot, unfortunately 
fixed upon this one, which he found to be hard, and, 
upon further examination, observed it was of wood. 
Thus the business was discovered, and an end put to 
their mode of correspondence. What expedients will 
not the human mind resort to, to obtain that most 
precious blessing, liberty"? What sacrifices will it 
not make, and what risks not run ? This depriva- 
tion to the marquis must be peculiarly aggravating. 
His anxiety, too, for his wife and children must be 
great indeed, particularly if he has by any means 
heard of the dreadful slaughter there has been in 
France, regardless of sex, age, or degree. His own 
family has been among those who have lost some of 
their nearest friends and connections. I have the 
pleasure to learn that the wife of the marquis has left 
France, and that she has gone to Hamburg. 

" Saw the Drury-Lane performers, and Mrs. Sid- 
dons, and her brother, Mr. Kemble, in ' Isabella.' 
Their performances were almost beyond praise. Had 



THOMAS HANDASYD PEKKINS. 197 

Mr. Kemble a better voice, he would appear to much 
greater advantage. 

" 23d. — This day, left London in a post-chaise 
for Bristol, where my intention is to take passage for 
America, either in the ' Richmond ' or the ' Severn.' 
Mr. Pollard takes the chaise with me ; and our inten- 
tion is to go out of the general route, and take Oxford 
in our way. 

"29th. — Arrived at Oxford in the evening of the 
day on which we left London, which is fifty-five miles." 

One result of this visit to Europe is thus mentioned 
in the autobiographical sketch already referred to : — 

" The circumstance of my interference in sending 
young La Fayette to this country was the cause of 
one of the most interesting events of my life. It 
was known to Gen. Washington, through the father 
or son, or both, that I had been active in efi'ecting 
the removal of the young man to this country ; and, 
from the great partiality he had for the marquis, 
he was pleased to regard the actors in a favorable 
light. 

"In the summer of 1796, I visited the city of 
Washington, which was decided upon as the future 
seat of government, though Congress still sat at 
Philadelphia. While I was there, Gen. Washington 
passed some days at the new seat of government. He 
lodged at the house of Mr. Peters, who married a 
Miss Custis, grand-daughter of Mrs. AVashington. At 
a ball given by Mrs. Peters, to which I was invited, 



198 MEMOIR OF 

I was introduced to the General by Col. Lear, his 
private secretary, and was. graciously received, and 
invited to visit Mount Vernon, and pass some time 
there. This was not to be declined ; and, a few days 
after, I went, as invited, to pay my respects to the 
man I cherished in my mind beyond any earthly 
being. There was no company there except Mr. 
Thomas Porter, formerly of Boston, who then lived at 
Alexandria, with whom I was intimately acquainted, 
and who was a great favorite at Mount Vernon. He 
took me to the residence of Gen. Washington, and 
returned after dinner to his own residence. 

" It is well known that the General was not in 
the habit of talking on political subjects with any but 
those connected with him in the government. Indeed, 
he was what may be called a silent man, except when 
necessity called upon him to be otherwise. He con- 
versed with me on internal improvements ; and ob- 
served to me, that I should probably live to see an 
internal communication, by canals and rivers, from 
Georgia to Massachusetts. The State of Maine had 
not then been separated from the old Bay State. He 
little thought, at that time or ever, of the railroads 
which now span the country. Gen. Washington, it 
is understood, was the first projector of the Dismal 
Swamp Canal, between Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle 
Sound, in North Carolina, at that time a great under- 
taking, as well as the lockage of the Little Falls of 
Potomac. As was before remarked, I was the only 
guest at Mount Vernon at the time spoken of Mrs. 
Washington, and her grand-daughter. Miss Nelly 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 199 

Custis, with the General, were the only inmates of 
the parlor. 

"The situation of Mount Vernon is known to 
every one to be of surpassing beauty. It stands on 
the banks of the Potomac, but much elevated above 
the river, and affords an extensive view of this beau- 
tiful piece of water and of the opposite shore. At 
the back of the house, overlooking the river, is a wide 
piazza, which was the general resort in the afternoon. 
On one occasion, when sitting there with the family, 
a toad passed near to where I sat conversing with 
Gen. "Washington ; which led him to ask me if I 
had ever observed this reptile swallow a fire-fly. 
Upon my answering in the negative, he told me that 
he had ; and that, from the thinness of the skin of 
the toad, he had seen the light of the fire-fly after it 
had been swallowed. This was a new, and to me a 
surprising, fact in natural history. 

" I need not remark how deeply I was interested in 
every word which fell from the lips of this great man. 
I found Mrs. Washington to be an extremely pleasant 
and unaflected lady, rather silent ; but this was made 
up for by the facetious and pleasant young lady, Miss 
Custis, who afterwards married Major Lewis, a nephew 
of the General, and who is yet living. During the 
day, the General was either in his study, or in the sad- 
dle overlooking the cultivation of his farm. 

" I shall never forget a circumstance which took 
place on the first evening I lodged at Mount Vernon. 
As I have said before, it was in July, when the day 
trenched far upon the evening, and at seven or eight 



200 MEMOIR OF 

o'clock we were taking our tea ; not long after which, 
the ladies retired. Knowing the habit of the General, 
when not prevented by business, to retire early, at 
about nine o'clock I made a movement in my chair ; 
which led the General to ask me if I wished to retire 
to my chamber. Upon my answering in the affirma- 
tive, observing there was no servant in the room, 
he took one of the candles from the table, leading the 
way to the great staircase ; then gave me the candle, 
and pointed out to me the door at the head of the 
stairs as my sleeping-room. Think of this ! 

" In the room in which I laid myself down — for I 
do not think I slept at all, so much was I occupied 
with the occurrences of the day — was a portrait of 
La Fayette the elder, and, hanging over the fireplace, 
the key of the Bastille ; which, I believe, retain the 
same places to this day. On the afternoon of the 
second day after I arrived, I took my leave of Mount 
Vernon, more gratified than I can express. 

" In the autumn of the year of my visit, Mr. 
Stuart (Gilbert) painted the full-length portrait of 
the General ; which is much the best likeness I have 
ever seen of him. The bust I have, also by Stuart, 
is a fac-si7)iile of the original. The portrait of Mrs. 
Washington too, by Stuart, now in the Atheneeum, 
is an excellent likeness of that excellent lady. I re- 
member her amiable expression of countenance, and 
courteous, unafiected manner, as well at this time as 
half a century since. 

" The President, having inquired of me if I had 
visited the Great Falls of the Potomac, and being 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 201 

answered in the negative, observed to me, that I ought 
not to leave that part of the country without visiting 
them. I made the excursion, though pressed for 
time, and to my great satisfaction. 

" I consider the visit to Mount Vernon as one of 
the most interesting of my life. It was the only op- 
portunity which I should have ever had of conversing 
familiarly with this great and good man. Two years 
after my visit, he died, at his residence, of croup. It 
is stated that he was not well treated for the disorder, 
and that with more skill his life might have been pre- 
served ; though I doubt if his happiness would have 
been preserved to him, had his life been spared. De- 
traction and calumny had assailed him. 

" The new city of Washington, when I was there, 
had but few houses. The Capitol was not built for 
many years afterwards ; and, when Congress first sat 
there, it occupied, I think, a building erected by means 
of a tontine speculation, got up by a Mr. Blodget, 
who went from Massachusetts, and was well known 
as a great projector of speculations of one sort and 
another." 

About this time he was made commander of a mili- 
tary corps, — the battalion which constitutes the guard 
and escort for public occasions of the Governor of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, — with the rank of 
lieutenant-colonel, having for some time previously 
held that of major in the same corps. 

With some persons, it may excite only a smile of 
derision to mention this as worth remembering, and 

26 



202 MEMOIR OF 

particularly to add, as the cause of any allusion to it, 
that he was so generally known afterwards as Col. 
Perkins, that his numerous acquaintances throughout 
the country might be in doubt whether he is the in- 
dividual spoken of in this memoir, if that appellation 
were omitted. But there are some considerations con- 
nected with this that deserve notice. The foreigner 
smiles or frowns, as he feels disposed, when he hears 
any reference among us to military rank beyond the 
field or day parade, unless it be of the regular army ; 
but in this he overlooks the fact, that the customs of 
a nation are usually connected with its history and 
political character. Military rank among quiet citi- 
zens is not so empty a distinction here as it may seem, 
but constitutes a pledge which it may become neces- 
sary to redeem in earnest. A large portion of the 
bloodiest and most important battles that have ever 
occurred among us have been fought chiefly by the 
militia. The deference paid to it here is not greater 
now than that with which the same force was regarded 
in England, when the regiment of Coldstream Guards 
formed a large part of the standing army, then no 
greater than ours is at present; when, indeed, the 
only army which the law had recognized in that 
country but a short time before was the militia. 

*'The king was the sole captain-general of this large 
force. The lords, heutenants, and their deputies, held the 
command under him, and appointed meetings for drillings 
and inspection. . . . There were those who looked on the 
militia with no friendly eye. . . . The enemies of the liberties 
and rehgion of England looked with aversion on a force 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 203 

which could not, without extreme risk, be employed against 
those liberties and that religion, and missed no opportunity 
of throwing ridicule on the rustic soldiery, ... In Parlia- 
ment, however, it was necessary to express such opinions 
with some reserve. . . . The array of the counties was com- 
manded almost exclusively by Tory noblemen and gentlemen. 
They were proud of their military rank, and considered an 
insult to the service to which they belonged as offered to 
themselves. They were also perfectly aware, that whatever 
was said against a militia was said in favor of a standing 
army ; and the name of a standing army was hateful to 
them." * 

As that standing army was gradually enlarged, 
however, and the profession of arms became an oc- 
cupation for life, a change naturally followed; the 
exclusive feeling in favor of professional rank gained 
strength ; and the recognition of any similar claim 
for the militia was discouraged as a matter of taste, 
because it aifected privilege. 

But no such change has taken place here. We 
have no intention of having a standing army, beyond 
a mere nucleus, from which we can extend, when 
necessary, with an academy for the thorough educa- 
tion of officers, — having no need of more. 

It is not a mere channel or a narrow sea, but the 
broad ocean, that separates us from those nations 
whose power could ever endanger our safety; and if 
such power should be directed against us, our coast 
and frontier being equal in extent to those of several 
of the kingdoms of Europe taken together, no army 
that we are likely ever to have could guard the line of 

* Macaulay. 



204 MEMOIR OF 

exposure. We rely, therefore, mainly on the local 
force of the country for security in war, and for the 
maintenance of order in peace. Some attempts have 
been made among us to break down the militia by 
ridicule ; but it seems probable, that, until vast changes 
take place in other respects, we shall not dispense 
with this system, which by its efficient action gains 
deference for itself, in comparison with what is done 
elsewhere. Many proofs that it does so might be 
given. One will answer. 

In 1849, the year succeeding that of revolutions in 
Europe, a serious disturbance occurred in the city of 
New York, in the dramatic performances there, arising 
from displeasure towards an eminent foreign tragedian. 
The theatre was surrounded by a vast multitude, many 
of them in a state of great excitement ; acts of violence 
were committed ; property and life were endangered ; 
and that state of things existed which is thought to 
warrant the use of military force. It came promptly 
when summoned : numbers of people were killed and 
wounded ; the mob was dispersed, and order was 
restored. When the account of this reached Eng- 
land, it was remarked in one of the leading journals 
there, with reference to a similar event which had 
just then occurred under British rule, that we had, at 
any rate, given an example to governments of greater 
energy in form than our own how to deal with rioters. 
In the same steamer that carried this account, or the 
one that preceded it, there went the particulars of a 
riot, just over our frontier, in Canada. There, the 
nobleman who represented the majesty of England 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 205 

was driven by the mob from the seat of government, 
and pursued towards his country-seat ; the Parliament 
House was burned, with the archives, a library of 
great value, and other public property ; and, if any 
punishment has ever been inflicted for this, it must 
have been so slight that it has scarcely been heard of 
out of the province. 

There is likewise something of exaggeration in 
reference to the use of military titles in this country. 
Where a dozen instances can be given of it, often 
arising accidentally from assiduous attention, personal 
appearance, or otherwise, probably a score of others 
might be adduced where there is no further allusion 
to rank in the militia after the service is performed, 
even including some officers who have met a foreign 
enemy successfully in battle. 

But Col. Perkins was a man distinguished for 
energy, for a lively interest in all that concerned the 
welfare of the community in which he lived, and for 
a desire to maintain and promote its respectability. 
He acted with vigor in times of great excitement. A 
prominent part was frequently assigned him, either to 
assist in the direction of public meetings, or as leader 
on important committees ; and, his name being neces- 
sarily often in print, he was designated, naturally 
enough, in the way that indicated its connection with 
public order, and thus added something to its weight. 
The military rank, therefore, which might otherwise 
have soon been forgotten, as it generally has been in 
regard to those who have held it in the same corps, 
but with less distinction in other respects, became 



206 MEMOIR OF 

widely associated with his name, and so continued 
until his decease. This was the more natural, because 
the tone of his character and his ordinary bearing 
were obviously in keeping with the sentiment which 
he once proposed for a toast at some military festival : 
" That high and honorable feeling which makes gen- 
tlemen soldiers, and soldiers gentlemen." 

Soon afterwards he was chosen President of the 
Boston branch of the United States Bank; quite a 
distinction at that time, when there were few banks in 
the country, and a remarkable one for a man so young 
as he was then. The choice was owing to a warm 
rivalry for the honor between two distinguished mer- 
chants, much older than himself; whose friends at 
length mutually agreed to end the contest by select- 
ing a third candidate, on whom all could unite. He 
was too much engaged in his own enterprises to retain 
the place long ; and in a year or two he was succeeded 
by the Hon. George Cabot, eminent not only as a 
commercial man, but as a Senator of the United 
States. 

In 1805, he was elected to the Senate of the State, 
as he frequently was afterwards ; and, for eighteen or 
twenty years following, he was, most of the time, 
member of one branch or the other of the Legisla- 
ture, but generally of the Senate, unless absent from 
the country. Being a man of few words, he rarely 
took part in debate ; but his opinions were marked 
by decision. What he said was to the point ; his lan- 
guage was good ; and, when he was strongly moved, 
he spoke with power. One of his colleagues in the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 207 

Senate, who afterwards had long experience in Con- 
gress, and was favorably distinguished there as well 
as at the bar, has remarked since, that he had rarely 
heard public men make a short, ofF-hand speech with 
more effect than Col. Perkins occasionally did, when 
his feelings were deeply engaged in the subject of 
debate. 

He was never in Congress himself, although his 
election would have been certain if he would have 
accepted a nomination as candidate ; and there were 
several occasions when it was desirable to his political 
friends, who predominated by a large majority in his 
district, to have had a commercial representative there 
like him. It is understood that he might at one time 
have been made Secretary of the Navy, if he had been 
disposed to take charge of that department of the 
national government. But he does not appear to 
have been desirous of political distinction ; and the 
engagements in commerce which required his atten- 
tion were too important to be made subordinate to 
any other demands on his time. 

In the narrative addressed to his children, after 
relating the foregoing circumstances of his visit to 
Mount Vernon, he proceeds as follows : — ■- 

" But to return to the object of these dottings- 
down, ' — my own concerns. The north-west trade led 
to a continued communication with China ; and, in 
1798, we bought, and sent to Canton direct, the ship 
' Thomas Hussell ; ' and Mr. Ephraim Bumstead, then 
the eldest apprentice in our counting-house, went out 



208 MEMOIR OF 

as supercargo; and, in 1803, we entered into an en- 
gagement with him to go to China, and there estabUsh 
a house for the transaction of our own and other 
business when offered. Mr. Bumstead took passage 
in a ship from Providence, belonging partly to mer- 
chants there, and to J. and T. H. Perkins. 

" Mr. J. P. Gushing, then in our counting-house, 
went with Mr. Bumstead as his clerk. He was then 
sixteen years old, wrote a fine hand, was a very steady 
lad, and had a great taste for going abroad. Soon 
after their arrival in China, Mr. Bumstead was obliged, 
from illness, to leave Canton, with the intention of 
recruiting, and then returning to China. But he 
never returned, having died on the passage to the 
port for which he was bound. 

" Mr. Cushing was, therefore, left at this early age 
to manage the concerns of the house, which were 
increased by consignments, and which required a 
good head to direct them. This, fortunately, Mr. 
Cushing possessed; and the business which fell into 
his hands was as well conducted as if Mr. Bumstead 
had been on the spot. We afterwards sent a nephew 
of my brother's wife, Mr. Paine, to join him. He 
remained but a short time in China. Mr. Cushing 
was taken into copartnership with us ; and so con- 
tinued until his return to America, or rather to the 
dissolution of the house in 1827. He had visited 
the United States in 1807; but soon returned to 
China, and did not leave it until twenty years after 
that time. He was well repaid for his undertaking 
by the result." 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 209 

When the tidings of Mr. Bumstead's death reached 
Boston, Col. Perkins immediately decided to go to 
China himself, as there seemed to him to be no alter- 
native in such an emergency ; and he made prepara- 
tions for his departure accordingly. But, just before 
he was ready to sail, a vessel arrived in a short pas- 
sage from Canton, with letters from Mr. Cushing, 
who was his nephew, giving so clear a report of the 
business of the house, and showing so much ability 
in the management of it, that he felt safe in postpon- 
ing his voyage at first, and afterwards in relinquishing 
it altogether, as it became obvious that Mr. Cushing, 
young as he was, needed no aid in performing the 
duties thus devolved upon him. 

Under his guidance, the house there was at length 
so favorably known, that consignments increased until 
they interfered with the business of the house itself, 
and it became desirable to give them some other 
direction. A distinct commission-house was, there- 
fore, established at Canton for this purpose, under the 
auspices and with the favor of Perkins and Co., 
which continues to this day, although the first part- 
ners withdrew from it, rich, many years ago. A long 
line of successors, following them, have managed the 
same establishment by turns, and retired from it suc- 
cessively with fortunes, with which they have returned 
to the United States. If all those were enumerated 
whose success in life might thus be traced to that first 
voyage of Col. Perkins to China in 1789, the number 
would cause surprise. 

27 



210 MEMOIR OF 

" Embargoes and non-intercourse," he continues in 
the narrative, " with political and other causes of em- 
barrassment, crossed our path ; but we kept our trade 
with China, and, during the war of the Peninsula, 
embarked largely in the shipment of provisions to 
Spain and Portugal. Our general plan was to freight 
vessels, load them with flour at the south for Europe, 
and have the funds remitted to London. To make 
some necessary arrangements respecting them, I took 
passage in the brig ' Reaper,' belonging to my friend 
Henry Lee, for London, in August, 1811. The in- 
tention of Mr. Lee was to proceed to India in the 
brig, taking funds from England, and returning to 
Boston with Calcutta cloths, which then paid a great 
advance. I sent funds in her; and she returned in 
the year 1812, during the war with Great Britain, and 
with great profit. Long-cloths of India then brought 
twenty-five cents per yard, though an inferior article 
to what is now made in this country and sold at six 
cents, being less than one-fourth of the price the India 
cloths then sold at. I remained in London during 
the year, or until the summer, and returned after war 
had been declared. While in London, I bought, with 
the elder Mr. Higginson, goods brought into England 
for France ; which resulted in great gain. 

" In the spring, I bought a carriage, with Mr. 
Alexander Everett, and was made bearer of de- 
spatches for France. At that time, the only com- 
munication was by Morlaix from Plymouth. There 
I took a vessel of about forty or fifty tons in which 
to cross the Channel. As we had no use but for the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 211 

cabin, we gave passage to a dozen or more Frenchmen, 
who had been exchanged, and had no means of get- 
ting to France but by the privileged vessels which left 
Plymouth from time to time. Among the persons to 
whom a free passage was given, was one who had 
resided some years in our good city of Boston, and . 
who doubtless had known me as active in resisting 
the principles of the Jacobins. This individual was 
the cause of my detention at Morlaix nearly three 
weeks, — having reported me to the commissary at 
Morlaix as opposed to the French, and a great friend 
of the English. In consequence, I was ordered to 
remain at Morlaix until orders were received from 
Paris. After writing to Mr. Barlow, the then minis- 
ter of the United States, and using other means, we 
were permitted to proceed to Paris. During my stay 
at Morlaix, my limit was the town, unless accom- 
panied by one of the gens d'armes. I visited the lead 
mines in that vicinity, and made other excursions 
within thirty or forty miles ; and was, upon the whole, 
very civilly treated by Moreau, the commissioner, after 
he was satisfied that my object in visiting France was 
commercial, and not political. Moreau, the general, 
although from the same town, was not a relative of 
the commissioner, who was a great Bonapartist. 

" An incident which caused me much anxiety, and 
which might have been attended by serious conse- 
quences, occurred in, or was connected with, this 
journey. On my leaving London, Mr. Russell, who 
was then charge d'affaires of the United States at the 
court of St. James, on my going to his house for 



212 MEMOIR OF 

despatches, put into my hands a package of some 
sheets in a volume, directed to Col. TchernichefF, 
chancellor to the Russian minister, Prince Kourakine, 
at Paris. Had I considered a moment, I should have 
doubted the " 

Here the narrative is broken off. It was suspended, 
probably, at his departure from Saratoga, where it is 
dated, and was never continued. But, in conversation, 
he gave a graphic account of the solicitude which he 
felt, while he was detained in Morlaix, at having with 
him despatches so directed, which might be discovered 
in his possession ; of the momentous state of affairs 
which he found on his arrival in Paris, shortly before 
the open breach of Napoleon with Russia, that led 
to the fatal campaign in the North ; of the difficulty 
that he had in safely delivering the despatches ; the 
acknowledgments that he received from the Russian 
embassy for doing it successfully; the angry look 
which he saw the emperor cast, from his seat in the 
theatre, towards the box of the Russian ambassador, 
as if he had meant that it should be observed ; and 
the departure of the latter from Paris the following 
day. 

While he was at Morlaix, an incident there called 
into action some of those qualities of heart and head 
which were repeatedly exercised afterwards on a greater 
scale, — the spirit that freely contributes to the alle- 
viation of distress, and the intelligent skill which can 
make one liberal contribution the means of elicit- 
ing the action of a community in a good cause. The 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERJvINS. 213 

story is told in a letter to Mrs. Perkins, too long to 
be inserted entii-e, but interesting throughout; and 
some passages will show his habits of observation as 
a traveller, with something of the state of France at 
that time : — 



" Cherbourg, June 2, 1812. 

" My dear Sarah, — I can easily conceive, from 
my own feelings, how much pleasure the receipt of 
this letter will give you, — being the only one I have 
written you for two months, excepting a short one 
from Morlaix, which was not calculated to afford you 
much satisfaction, as I was then under a degree of 
restraint, which has not left me from that time to 
this. I am now here waiting the arrival of the 
' Wasp ' (sloop-of-war) from England, where she re- 
turns again to land me with the despatches from the 
minister at Paris to the charge, d- affaires at London. 
You may well suppose what my anxiety is to hear 
from home, having received no letters of later date 
than February. My anxiety is much increased from 
the uncertainty as to our situation in regard to the war. 
If we are engaged in the contest, I shall find it diffi- 
cult to return. My passport to leave the country was 
kept back; and, but for exertions which I made 
through some persons whom I had interested in my 
behalf, I might have been some months longer de- 
tained. 

" You will want to know what has been the dispo- 
sition of my time since I arrived in France. I was 
detained at Morlaix fifteen days ; and, but for the 



214 MEMOIR OF 

exertions of my friends, might have been there this 
hour, as a gentleman who arrived there a month 
before me has been detained there till this time, and 
can get no permission either to return to America or 
to go to Paris. Another bearer of despatches was 
there a month. I was not so much ennuye as those 
gentlemen who were looking to Paris as the place 
where they were to realize golden dreams of pleasure. 
As I am fond of spying out wonders, I got permission 
to visit a lead mine, which is at no great distance from 
Morlaix, and which afforded me the highest gratifica- 
tion. There are upwards of twelve hundred persons 
employed at the works. The descent from the sur- 
face to the deepest part is eight hundred feet. I was 
astonished to find the price of this severe labor so 
low. Twelve hours' labor is exacted in the twenty- 
four. The time employed in going down and return- 
ing is not included. And for this the men receive 
about eighteen to twenty cents per day, and find them- 
selves ! Men only, with a few boys, are employed in 
the mines. AVomen, both old and young, and chil- 
dren down to five years old, are employed in selecting 
the good from the bad ore, breaking it in pieces, and 
working it. They receive from four to seven sous 
(equal to as many cents) per day. They find them- 
selves, and work, from the getting up to the going 
down of the sun, the year through. You will ask 
how they subsist. I can hardly imagine how they get 
along : but so it is ; and I do not see but they appear 
as healthy as people, in general, who are employed in 
hard labor of a different kind. Black bread, moist- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 215 

ened with a kind of lard or bad butter, furnishes 
them their food, and the spring quenches their thirst. 
Once in a while, they have a few pounds of beef boiled 
to pieces in a pot containing half a barrel of water 
and a few vegetables. This soup, as it is called, is a 
sort of luxurious living, which is too good to be served 
often. I found, that, were twice the number of women 
wanted, they might be had ; and even of men of a 
certain age, which does not include the term when 
they are wanted for the army. 

" When I returned to Morlaix, I found my pass- 
port had arrived ; so that I could not go again to 
visit this very interesting work. Upon the whole, 
my fifteen days went away much more pleasantly 
than I had expected; and I should not have hung 
myself, had I been obliged to remain there a week 
longer. 

" There is a tobacco manufactory at Morlaix, on a 
very large scale. Twelve hundred and sixty persons 
are daily at work at it. All the manufactures of 
snuff, and tobacco in every shape, in the empire be- 
long to the government, who purchase the raw mate- 
rial, and work it into the form in which it is used. I 
contrived to get admission, and was astonished at the 
extent of the establishment. 

" It is astonishing to observe the difference in num- 
bers between the men and women you see in the 
streets in every town through which you pass. At 
Morlaix, they say there are fourteen females to one 
male in the town. You would hardly suppose there 
was any part of France — I mean of France as it 



216 MEMOIR OF 

was under the old government — in which the inhabi- 
tants of whole districts do not speak French. This, 
however, is the case in Brittany. The people who 
live a mile from the town speak no more French than 
they do Greek. Their language is the Welsh, and is 
the only one spoken by them until they leave their 
villages and come to the towns to reside, or go to the 
army, when they are obliged to learn the French. 
The people who live in the towns are obliged to learn 
the language of Brittany, or they could not go to the 
market, or have any communication with the country 
people. Before taking my leave of Morlaix, I must 
relate to you a fact that came under my knowledge, 
by which you can appreciate the tenure by which 
liberty is held here. 

" The family in which I lived was one of the most 
respectable in Morlaix, in point of property, previous 
to the revolution. Like many others, it was reduced 
to very narrow means by the then existing state of 
things, as their wealth consisted principally in vessels, 
which either perished at the wharves, or were taken 
by the powers which then ruled, and were totally lost 
to Monsieur Beau, who was their proprietor. Having 
been the agent for the lead mines for a long time, this 
was a resource to him ; and although the stipend 
arising from this was a moderate one, yet it served to 
feed his wife and children, who were some six or seven 
in number. M. Beau died a few years since, and left 
his widow without any resource for the support of her 
family. Being a woman of a good deal of character, 
the company to whom the mines belong concluded to 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 217 

continue the agency in the hands of Mrs. Beau, who, 
with the aid of her youngest son, has carried on the 
purchases and sales to this time. The two eldest sons 
got clerkships in the tobacco manufactory, and a 
daughter was married ; so that but one daughter and 
one son were upon the shoulders of the old lady. 
Their means were, to be sure, small ; but their wants 
were few ; and, although their whole income was not 
more than six hundred dollars per annum, the son 
who aided his mother in the lead-mine agency had 
made a matrimonial engagement; and, not believing 
that ' Love would fly out of the window, though 
Poverty looked in at the door,' a day was designated 
for the marriage ; and I was invited as a guest at 
the meeting of the family, which was to take place 
in the evening. The marriage ceremony took place in 
the morning, at the parish church ; and at about ten 
o'clock I was introduced to the bride, whom I found 
to be, as I had heard her represented, a beautiful 
woman of about twenty, with a very prepossessing 
countenance, which, it was universally acknowledged, 
was a perfect index of her amiable mind. She 
seemed perfectly happy ; and nothing but joy was 
visible in every countenance in the family. All 
was happiness and gayety and laugh and frolic. 
Mark the sad change. At twelve o'clock, the bride- 
groom received notice that he had been drawn in the 
conscription ; and that on Sunday he must be at 
Campege, a distance of thirty leagues. This was on 
Thursday. In such cases, entreaty is vain, and never 
resorted to, because always ineflectual. To go to the 

28 



218 MEMOIR OF 

army was to go, to return when the exigencies of the 
State no longer required his services. The whole 
family was in a state little short of distraction when 
I left the town, which was early on the next morning. 
The lowest price at which a substitute could be pro- 
cured was three thousand francs ; and the family could 
not command half the money in all its branches. The 
peculiar situation of this family seemed to paralyze 
the whole town, and led to an exertion which is seldom 
made, and which proved effectual in preventing this 
young man from being torn from the embraces of his 
charming wife and amiable mother. I have the satis- 
faction of having put the thing in train, and shall 
always consider the opportunity as one of the most 
gratifying which ever presented itself to me. After 
my arrival in Paris, I received a letter, saying that my 
example had been followed, and that it had produced 
the effect desired. This is an anecdote, or rather this 
part of it, for your own private ear ; and you will not, 
of course, show this letter." 

Some years afterwards, he was again at Morlaix; 
and, as a proof of the affection and respect with which 
the remembrance of him was cherished, he found that 
the room which he had occupied at the time of this 
occurrence had been kept in the precise order in which 
he left it, no article, having been removed from its 
place. 

War between the United States and Great Britain 
was declared, as it appears from the foregoing letter 
he apprehended that it might be, even before he 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 219 

reached home in 1812. After his return, being him- 
self among the leaders in political affairs, as he was 
prominent in commerce, he took an active and very 
decided part in the discussions and movements of the 
time, which are now matters of history. His sensa- 
tions on the return of peace are forcibly expressed in 
the following letter* to Mr. Gushing, his nephew and 
partner in China : — 

" Washington, 16th February, 1815. 

"Mr. John P. Gushing, Canton. 

" My dear John, — I am here on public business in behalf 
of the State of Massachusetts. The joyful event of peace 
has suspended the mission on which I came. You will hear 
with delight of this event. No sacrifice is made of territory 
or commercial rights. It is a treaty formed on the basis of 
that of 1783. All the claims upon which the war was found- 
ed have been relinquished. The right to go to the British 
possessions was a municipal privilege extended to us, and 
which a commercial treaty may restore. The Senate has rati- 
fied the treaty, and the president's proclamation will issue 
to-morrow. Then, thanks to the Giver of all good things ! 
we are once more restored to peace ; and I trust I shall never 
see another war. 

" Heaven bless you ! Your sister is well, and all your 
particular connections are so. 

"I shall be here a week longer, and then I shall look 
homewards. Yours, afiectionately, T. H. Perkins." 

About this time, he became actively engaged in mea- 
sures for establishing the Massachusetts General Hos- 
pital with an Asylum for the Insane, the necessity for 
which had begun to be deeply felt. He was one of 

* See Appendix. 



220 MEMOIR OF 

those to whom an act of incorporation had been grant- 
ed for the purpose, with a vahiable donation from the 
Commonwealth, on the condition that the sum of one 
hundred thousand dollars should be raised by sub- 
scription within a limited time. His name was at 
the head of the first list of trustees ; and he under- 
took the work which his position involved with charac- 
teristic energy. His influence and his services were 
highly appreciated by those with whom he was en- 
gaged in that undertaking. The subscriptions were 
made on the condition that the full sum of one hun- 
dred thousand dollars should be obtained ; so that the 
whole depended on entire success. Besides his exer- 
tions in rousing other subscribers, he and his elder 
brother contributed five thousand dollars each towards 
the fund ; and it was completed agreeably to the terms 
of condition. It is well known that the efforts of 
those who were engaged in this movement have been 
productive of all the good which they hoped to effect. 
The institution bears a favorable comparison with 
those of the same kind in other places, and has be- 
come celebrated throughout the world for the first 
successful application of the great discovery in the 
use of ether for surgical operations. 

His elder brother and partner, James Perkins, Esq., 
died in the year 1822. The following passages from 
a notice of his death, published at the time, show the 
estimation in which he was held : — 

" While' his real and most eloquent eulogy is to be 
sought in the course of an industrious, honorable, and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PEKKINS. 221 

most useful life, it is due to the virtues he practised, 
to the example he set, to the noble standard of cha- 
racter on which he acted, not to be entirely silent, 
now that nothing remains of them but their honored 
memory. He had received in boyhood, under the 
care of an excellent mother, the preparatory instruc- 
tion which might have fitted him for an academical 
education; but the approach of the Revolutionary 
"War, and the discouraging aspect of the times, dictated 
the commercial career as more prudent. 

" In enterprises extending over the habitable globe, 
employing thousands of agents, constantly involving 
fortunes in their result, and requiring, on many occa- 
sions necessarily incident to business of this extent, 
no secondary degree of firmness and courage, not a 
shadow of suspicion of any thing derogatory to the 
highest and purest sense of honor and conscience ever 
attached to his conduct. The character of such a 
man ought to be held up for imitation." 

Mr. James Perkins left a large fortune, acquired in 
this honorable course, and is still remembered for 
distinguished liberality in all appeals that were made 
when he lived, for charity or public good, to the afflu- 
ent and generous in the community; for his liberal 
donations to several institutions ; and especially for a. 
munificent gift of real estate, of the value of about 
twenty thousand dollars, to the Boston Athenaeum, 
and the bequest of twenty thousand more to the 
University at Cambridge. The decease of such an 
associate in the commercial vicissitudes of nearly 



MEMOIR OF 

forty years was deeply felt by his surviving partner 
and brother.* 

In 1826, it was proposed to raise a considerable 
sum for additions to the Athenaeum. Something over 
thirty thousand dollars was required. Col. Perkins, 
and his nephew, Mr. James Perkins, son and sole heir 
of his deceased brother, contributed one-half of it, 
paying eight thousand dollars each, on the condition 
that the same amount should be subscribed by the 
public; which was done. He made other valuable 
donations to the Athenaeum, and was for several years 
president of that institution. 

Soon after this, having witnessed the successful com- 
mencement of railroads in England, he resolved to 
introduce them here ; and, having obtained a charter 
for the Granite Railway Company, he caused one of 
two miles in length to be made, for the purpose of 
transporting granite from the quarries in Quincy to 
the water. This was the first railroad built in this 
country; though there was a rough contrivance in 
Pennsylvania, for the removal of coal, which is said to 
have preceded it. It has been the means of adding 

* The experience of Franklin, as our representative in Europe, led iiim to remark, that 
diplomatists and statesmen would find great advantage in attending more closely than they do 
to the information that may be had from commercial men, who have strong inducements to 
get the earliest possible intelligence of all political movements that affect the intercourse of 
nations, and are sometimes better informed as to what may be impending than the govern- 
ments under which they live. 

To show what extended and comprehensive views are taken in conducting the correspond- 
ence of a great commercial house, and what variety is sometimes combined in the anticipations 
necessary for planning voyages of great length or complicated design, some of the letters of 
the house of J. and T. H. Perkins are given in the Appendix. The first was written by Mr. 
James Perkins, to his brother when in France, in 1794, to give him what information could be 
gathered here, for his aid in deciding whether any commercial enterprise could be undertaken 
■with advantage in Europe. Some of these letters indicate, in both partners, the discernment 
and power to direct which go far to qualify men for acting either as diplomatists or statesmen. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. ^23 

large quantities of granite to the building materials of 
our cities, and its eifect is seen extending as far as 
New Orleans. 

In 1833, a movement was made to obtain funds for 
the establishment of a school for blind children in Bos- 
ton. Having been deeply interested by an exhibition 
given to show their capacity for improvement, he made 
a donation of his mansion-house in Pearl Street as a 
place for their residence. He gave it on the condition 
that the sum of fifty thousand dollars should be con- 
tributed by the public as a fund to aid in their support. 
Efforts were made accordingly to effect that object, and 
proved to be entirely successful. The school was thus 
placed on a stable foundation, and by means that insured 
it continued care. The incitement which had thus been 
offered to the community, to secure so valuable an 
estate as a gift to the public, roused general attention 
to the subject that could induce such a donation. 
Mutual sympathy in endeavoring to effect the purpose 
was a natural result. This became widely diffused. 
An institution which thus offered intelligence, enjoy- 
ment, and usefulness, in place of ignorance, sorrow, 
and idleness, was recognized by the government of 
the State as deserving aid from the Commonwealth ; 
and liberal public provision was made for the edu- 
cation there of blind children whose parents need 
assistance for unusual expenses. 

Under the direction of Dr. Howe, it has been emi- 
nently successful, and is known through the country 
as an important example of what may be done. In- 
deed, it may be said further, that the country itself is 



224 MEMOIR OF 

more widely and favorably known in the Old World 
from the annual reports of what has been effected 
there, not only by improvements in the art of printing 
for the blind, but by new discoveries in the possibility 
of instruction, which he has demonstrated. 

The publications from the press of the institution, 
under his care, probably comprise more matter than 
all other works in the English language that have 
ever been published for the use of the blind ; and, 
at the recent " Exhibition of Works of Industry of 
all Nations " in the Crystal Palace of London, the 
prize medal was awarded to his specimens for the best 
system of letters, and the best mode of printing such 
books. But, beyond this. Dr. Howe has enlarged the 
science of mind by reaching and developing the intel- 
lect of the blind and deaf mute, shut up from human 
intercourse by obstruction in all avenues of the senses 
but one, and proved that the single sense of touch 
can be made the medium for effectual instruction in 
reading and writing, and for the free interchange even 
of the most refined and delicate sentiments that are 
known to the heart of woman. In this he was the 
first to reduce to certainty what had before been only 
a problem; and has shown that there is no solid 
ground for the principle of law on the subject, as laid 
down by Blackstone, that " a man who is born deaf, 
dumb, and blind, is looked upon by the law as in the 
same state with an idiot ; he being supposed incapable 
of any understanding, as wanting all those senses 
which furnish the human mind with ideas." 

The estate given by Col. Perkins, although spacious 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 225 

in extent, was becoming, from its position, better 
suited for purposes of trade than of residence. From 
the same cause, however, it was rising in pecuniary 
value ; and not long afterwards it was exchanged, 
with his consent, — he releasing all conditional rights 
of reversion, — for a large edifice in the suburbs, built 
for another purpose, but admirably adapted, by loca- 
tion and structure, for the residence of young people. 
It overlooks the harbor, is secure by its elevation from 
any interruption of light or air, and affords ample 
room for all who may desire to come. 

The institution bears his name. That somethinsf 
important would have eventually been done in Massa- 
chusetts for the education of the blind, even if he had 
rendered no assistance, cannot be doubted. Dr. John 
D. Fisher, a physician of great worth, to whose memo- 
ry a monument has been erected at Mount Auburn 
for his early exertions in the cause, moving almost 
unaided, had previously obtained an act of incorpo- 
ration from the Legislature for the purpose ; and 
Edward Brooks, Esq., and Mr. Prescott, the historian, 
with some other gentlemen, had united with him to 
promote it. What followed is, in a great measure, 
to be attributed to their preparatory movements. But 
Col. Perkins, by the impulse of a powerful hand, sud- 
denly roused the community to aid in the project, and 
placed it at once in an advanced position, which other- 
wise it probably would have required the lapse of 
many years, with arduous exertions, to attain. At 
that time, the institutions for the blind in England 
were little more than workshops, affording hardly any 

29 



226 MEMOIR OF 

instruction except for manual labor, and no printing, 
though two small books had been printed in Scotland. 
But, through his aid and advice, the means were 
obtained and effectually applied for an establishment 
on a more liberal plan, giving the precedence to intel- 
lectual and moral education. There is little doubt, 
therefore, that a large portion of the good which has 
been effected thus far within the institution, and by 
its example elsewhere, is the result of his munificent 
donation, and the wise condition which he attached 
to it. 

It should be remarked here, however, to guard 
against any mistake detrimental to the interest of 
the blind, that, while the pupils are placed, through 
his means, in a building which might give the impres- 
sion that its inhabitants are likely to be in want of 
nothing, the institution is by no means richly en- 
dowed. The money that has been liberally given has 
been liberally spent in the cause of education ; and 
those who are inclined to give or leave any portion of 
their wealth for the relief of misfortune, should be in- 
formed that the blind still need, and humbly hope, 
to be remembered. There can hardly be any class of 
persons to whom books, and a large library of books, 
can afford so great delight as those whose sources of 
enjoyment do not include that of sight; and after 
reading, in the report of the juries on the awards at 
the exhibition of the Crystal Palace in London, ten 
close pages that are devoted to the subject of printing 
for the blind, with an historical sketch, in which 
marked prominence is given to what has been done 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 227 

at "The Perkins Institution in Boston," it can 
hardly be heard without sorrow that the printing 
there is suspended for the want of pecuniary means ; 
and that the publication of the " Cyclopsedia," in 
twenty volumes, probably the most valuable work, 
with the exception of the Bible, that has ever been 
attempted for the blind, was necessarily stopped with 
the eighth volume. 

A few extracts from that report, on a subject so 
deserving of interest, will hardly be out of place 
here : — 

" A few years ago, printing for the blind was considered 
only a curious or doubtful experiment ; but it is now esta- 
blished, beyond all question, that books are true sources of 
profit and pleasure to them. "Whilst embossed books have 
recently very rapidly increased, it is delightful to notice that 
the blind readers have multiplied far more rapidly. 

'' The invention of printing for the blind marks a new 
era in the history of Hterature. The whole credit of this 
invention, so simple, yet so marvellous in its results, be- 
longs to France. It was Mr. Valentine Haiiy who, in 1784, 
at Paris, produced the first book printed with letters in 
relief, and soon after proved to the world that children 
might easily be taught to read with their fingers. The blind 
really received but little advantage from an invention that 
promised so much. The fault, however, seems to have been 
not so much in the plan as in the execution of it. This 
noble invention, except perhaps within the walls of the 
institution, soon sank into oblivion, and very little more was 
heard of it until 1814. The institute of Paris, since its 
foundation in 1784, has at times been in a deplorable condi- 
tion ; but about the year 1840 it underwent a thorough 
re-organization, and is now justly entitled to the front rank 
of institutions of this class in Europe. 



228 MEMOIR OF 

" It was in Great Britain and in the United States that 
the first improvements were made in embossed typography. 
Before 1826, when Mr. James Gall, of Edinburgh, first began 
to turn his attention to the intellectual and moral education 
of the blind, it is believed that not a single blind person, in 
any public institution of this country or America, could read 
by means of embossed characters. To Mr. Gall is due the 
credit of reviving this art." 

In 1827, he published a small volume for teaching 
the art of reading to the blind; and, in 1834, he pub- 
lished the Gospel of St. John, and afterwards several 
other books: but they do not appear to have been 
generally used. It is added in the report, that, with 
one exception, " it is believed they are adopted by no 
public institution in Great Britain." 

" While the puzzling question of an alphabet best adapted 
to the fingers of the blind and the eyes of their friends was 
under warm discussion on this side of the Atlantic, Dr. 
Howe was developing his system at Boston, in the United 
States. In 1833, the Perkins Institution for the Blind was 
established at Boston; and Dr. S. G. Howe, a gentleman 
distinguished through a long series of years for his philan- 
thropic labors, was placed at its head, and soon made those 
improvements and modifications which have rendered the 
Boston press so famous. His first aim was to compress 
the letter into a comparatively compact and cheap form. 
This he accomplished by cutting off all the flourishes and 
points about the letters. He so managed that they occupied 
but a little more than one space and a half instead of three. 
So great was this reduction, that the entire New Testament, 
which, according to Haiiy's type, would have filled nine 
volumes, and cost twenty pounds, could be printed in two 
volumes for sixteen shillings. Early in the summer of 1834, 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 229 

he published the Acts of the Apostles. Indeed, such rapid 
progress did he make in his enterprise, that by the end of 
1835 he printed in relief the whole of the New Testament, 
for the first time in any language, in four handsome quarto 
volumes, comprising 624 pages, for four dollars. These 
were published together in 1836. The alphabet thus con- 
trived by Dr. Howe in 1833, it appears, has never since been 
changed. 

"As the Boston books can now be obtained in London at 
a price cheaper than any of the five difierent systems of 
books printed in Great Britain, it is to be hoped that they 
will come into general use here." 

It is then shown, by a table of comparison, that 
Dr. Howe's books are much less in bulk, and cheaper 
by more than one-half, than those printed in any other 
of the six systems used in the English language. And 
it is added, — 

" His system has been fully described, and to it the jury 
give the preference above all others. The jury beg to 
suggest that a uniform system should be adopted, and that, 
in future, all books printed for the blind should be printed in 
the same character. Dr. Howe's appears simple, and fit for 
general adoption." 

In 1835, Col. Perkins went to Europe for his 
health, and travelled for some months on the conti- 
nent; extending his tour afterwards in England and 
Scotland, where he was accompanied by his friend, 
Joshua Bates, Esq., of London, the munificent donor 
of a large fund for a public library in Boston. 

At that time, he went into Italy, where he had 
not been before, and, as might be supposed, looked 



230 MEMOIR OF 

with lively interest on the wonders of history and art 
to be seen there. An American statesman of the 
highest distinction, who recently passed a winter in 
Rome, mentioned to an acquaintance who called on 
him, that, when he arrived there, he heard accidental- 
ly, while inquiring for places of residence, that a house 
once occupied by Col. Perkins could be had, and that 
he lost no time in securing that house, being confident 
that it had been well chosen; which, to his great 
comfort, he found to be as he had anticipated. 

As usual, he kept a journal while travelling. The 
objects most likely to attract attention in such a tour 
have been often described by others ; but a few ex- 
tracts, referring to objects or incidents not usually 
noticed by travellers, may be found interesting : — 

"Saturday, July 25th, 1835, Meaux. — I arrived 
here the last evening." (He was then returning from 
Italy and Germany towards Paris.) " The day was 
hot, and the ground dry. I breakfasted at Chalons, 
which is a large town, and celebrated in the olden 
times as having been the place where Attila was 
defeated by the Romans, and, more recently, from its 
having been the town where the Emperors of Russia 
and Austria, with Great Britain and the others, as- 
sembled and made the proposition to Bonaparte, in 
his last retreat from the North, to give to France the 
Rhine as its boundary, and which he had the folly to 
refuse. 

" From Chalons-sur-Marne to this place, this useful, 
though not very beautiful, river runs through a highly 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 231 

cultivated valley the whole distance, and makes the 
ride a very interesting one. The hills are cropped to 
their summits ; and, from the difference in size of the 
portions in which are sown the different kinds of 
grain and other vegetables, they are as brilliant and 
as various as the figures shown through a kaleido- 
scope. Chateau Thierry, which was the birthplace 
of La Fontaine, is the only large town we have passed 
through ; though many have been in sight on either 
side, which show the places where cultivators congre- 
gate. The district where the most famous of the 
Champagne wines are grown is quite small ; and many 
tuns of wine have passed the world over for Cham- 
pagne, under a misnomer. I have observed the villages 
on this side the French territory more attentively than 
those passed in going to Lyons. This was the great 
highway of armies going to and returning from the 
Rhine. The street is wide which leads through them ; 
and, from so many of , them being new, I think the 
present towns are the sites on which stood, some years 
since, the old villages, with their narrow streets and 
wretched houses. I was pondering on this when the 
post-boys pulled up before a very stately edifice, which, 
from its appearance, commanded respect and attention. 
It is an old Gothic church, built in the fourteenth 
century, and has been honored with the visits of 
kings and princes through all time since, and is the 
very odor of sanctity. There was nothing particular- 
ly worthy of note except a dead Christ, in marble, 
with full-length figures of Joseph of Arimathea and 
Nicodemus at the head and foot of the body ; with the 



232 MEMOIR OF 

three Marys and Sarah, also large as life, weeping over 
Him whom they mourned. 

" I was about to depart, when an old woman oifered 
me a book, which she said was sold for the benefit of 
the church, and that it was a history of this Church 
of Notre Dame de la Pine, and that all that was stated 
in the book was true, and the evidence of the fact, 
long since deposited with the papers of the church, 
might be seen by any one who would take the trouble 
to apply to the authorities. I found, upon examining 
the book, that the church had not been so much 
visited for itself as for the miracles which had been 
wrought here. A long description is given of the 
time when the church was built, in 1472 ; but the in- 
teresting point is the cause which induced the erection, 
and designated the spot where it was to be placed. It 
seems, by this historical account, that there was near 
this place a small church, which would not accommo- 
date the population ; and the holy Virgin, mother of 
God, came to their relief One night, when some shep- 
herds were watching their flocks, they saw, at a small 
distance from where they sat, a sight ; upon approach- 
ing which they became sore afraid, and fled, — not, 
however, before they discovered, in a large bush of 
thorns, the figure of the blessed mother, with the infant 
Jesus in her arms, in the centre of the bush, which 
was on fire. The light shone to a great distance. 
The sheep took fright, and ran away ; but the lambs, 
changing their natural timidity into courage, ap- 
proached the bush ; which encouraged the shepherds, 
and many others, to return and see the miracle ; and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 233 

they attest to the correctness of the report of the 
transaction. The wonderful interposition of Heaven 
pointed out to the faithful the object of this superna- 
tural appearance, as one that should be commemorated 
by erecting a splendid church on the spot where the 
burning bush was seen. 

" Charles VII. aided largely in the erection of the 
church, in accordance with the wishes of the pious 
Louis XI., who, when Charles of Burgundy entrapped 
him at Peronne, made a vow, that, in case he escaped 
from his very dangerous situation, he would build 
churches, and do other things that should gratify the 
Virgin, to whom he so often kneeled; and at the 
same time taking care to add, that he would also do 
something to gratify himself, by making those suffer 
who had betrayed him into the scrape. The history 
of the Cardinal Bellere can tell how well he per- 
formed his promise. The example of Charles was 
followed by many other adorers of the Virgin ; and 
the pious determined to erect a church worthy of the 
blessed mother. The building was costly; and al- 
though the subscriptions and contributions were great, 
yet the want of funds was supplied by other miracles 
which were wrought, and which brought adorers and 
contributors from all the Christian cities. The dead 
were raised; the particulars of which are given in 
this most veracious account. Those who came to 
church on crutches went away upon their ten toes. 
A child, which had been buried three days, was taken 
from the grave, and changed from decay to bloom ; 
but, either from a want of faith or from some other 

30 



234 MEMOIK OF 

cause, it finally went back into the state in which it 
was when taken from the grave. These things are so 
well attested, that he who does not believe them is 
'little better than one of the wicked.' The after- 
miracles did the job ; and the church was finished in 
a very elaborate manner. The sculpture on the out- 
side is varied, and emblematic of the adoration of the 
shepherds, and the history of the Virgin. There are 
some figures, however, which are better suited to a 
brothel than a church ; but I dare say they have a 
pious story to vindicate them from the charges which 
unbelievers would bring against them. 

" Sunday, July 26th. • — I arrived yesterday in Paris, 
and had the pleasure to receive my letters, and to 
learn that all was well. I write this from Mrs. 
Welles's country-place, to which I came to pass the 
Sunday. 

" The celebration of the three days — 27th, 28th, 
and 29tli of July, 1830 — is to be got up with more 
than usual parade. The first day is appropriated to 
funeral services in the churches, in commemoration 
of those who fell on that day. Sixteen girls, who 
received a wedding-present from the city, are married 
on that day in the City Hall. How they are selected, 
or what gives them the preference, I am not aware. 
On Tuesday there is to be a review of the troops 
of the line and the National Guard, probably some 
fifty or sixty thousand, by the king; and, as they 
march through the square I am lodged in, it will give 
me a good opportunity of seeing them and the king, 
with his family, who are to be near the Hotel de 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 235 

Bristol. The third day is appropriated to a great 
display of fireworks and illuminations, for which 
there are great preparations in the Tuileries, Champs 
Elysees, and other parts of Paris. As the French 
give fine exhibitions of this sort, I am glad to be 
present. 

" Monday, 27th. — The day is pleasant ; and, in 
the afternoon, showers, which are favorable to the 
military duties of to-morrow. 

" Tuesday evening, 28th. — This has been an in- 
teresting day, and had nearly caused an event which 
might have thrown France into a state of great per- 
plexity. The custom is for the troops to be drawn 
up on the Boulevards, making a line of one or two 
miles, when the king rides with his staif down the 
line, in front of the troops, whilst thus drawn up. 
Having got to the extreme left of the line, he leaves 
the Boulevards, and comes to the Place Vendome, 
where all the troops defile before him, and receive the 
marching salute. Having thus marched before his 
majesty, they each go to their cantonment, and the 
king and his suite to the Tuileries. I had secured 
windows, one of which looked into the E,ue Castig- 
lione, and the other upon the Square. All the avenues 
to the Square are guarded, to prevent any assemblage 
of people there which would interfere with the troops. 
At twelve o'clock, the king passed through the Rue 
Castiglione and Place Vendome to the Boulevards with 
his sons, and the officers attached to him, amongst 
whom were the Marechal Mortier, Duke of Treviso, 
with the ministers De Broglie and Thiers. At about 



2S6 MEMOIR OF 

twelve, the queen, and her daughters and the ladies in 
waiting, came in their carriages to the house of the 
chancellor, and seated themselves in balconies, which 
were covered with awnings. Later, the king with 
his suite came to the Place Vendome, and, alight- 
ing from his horse, as did those who were with him, 
went to the apartments where the ladies were. A few 
minutes afterwards, the column came in view by the 
Rue de la Paix, and, having paid the marching salute, 
defiled by the Rue Castiglione. I observed a great 
degree of enthusiasm as the National Guards — which 
are the militia of the country — came near to the 
king. This was unusual, and was observed by some 
of the Frenchmen who were in the room where I 
was, and who could not account for it. In many 
cases, the common soldiers left their ranks, and ran 
up to the king, whose stand was near to the right of 
where the platoons passed, and took him by the hand. 
They all cheered, and gave tokens of great excite- 
ment. In one case, a whole company surrounded the 
king ; when, from the movement of his sons, it 
seemed that they were alarmed for their father, and 
rode towards him. We could discover by their action 
that they wished him to withdraw a little farther from 
his loving subjects ; but, so far from doing this, he 
rather advanced into the midst of them. 

"About this time, my courier came to me to say 
that the king had narrowly escaped assassination by 
an infernal machine, whilst reviewing the troops ; 
and that the Marechal Mortier, with some nine or 
ten others who were near the king, was killed, and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS, 237 

several wounded. This accounted for the enthu- 
siasm of the troops, and the return made by the 
king. His majesty narrowly escaped one of the balls 
which were simultaneously fired by twenty-five barrels 
placed on a level, and a train so laid as to discharge 
all at the same time, wounding his horse slightly. 
It was within a few seconds of laying the king low, 
and probably deluging the country in blood. We 
had seen one of the officers ride across the Place 
Vendome, before the king returned from the review, 
with a precipitancy which seemed uncalled for, and 
for which I could not account. He stopped at the 
place where the ladies of the royal family were. The 
evening papers state that it was an express sent from 
the king to her majesty, to inform her of the attempt, 
and his escape. The paper this evening gives the 
particulars. All further doings for the three days 
are given up, I suppose indefinitely. The assassin's 
name is Gerard,* — thirty-six years old. He was 
badly woimded himself, and was unable to speak, 
so that we cannot yet get the particulars ; nor is it 
known whether he has associates or not. It is proba- 
ble there are others behind the curtain, and that the 
poor instrument will be left to sufier alone. 

" 29th. — In place of fireworks and other demon- 
strations of joy, every thing, it is said, is to wear the 
trappings of sorrow. A funeral ceremony is said to 
be in preparation. 

" Harrowgate, Sept. 6th. — We are on our way to 
York, which we pass on our route to Scotland. 

* The name was Fieschi. 



238 MEMOIR OF 

" On Tuesday, and the two following days, there is 
to be a musical festival in the Cathedral, which will be 
numerously attended by the nobility and gentry. One 
of the great attractions will be the Princess Victoria, 
who, if she survives "William IV., is to be Queen 
of England. The princess, with her mother the 
Duchess of Kent, visited the Museum Gardens to- 
day, where I saw them. The future queen is about 
seventeen years of age, good-looking, and in manners 
very courteous, but not remarkable for her beauty. 

" The road from Leeds here is pleasant. We passed 
Lord Harewood's grounds, which are very extensive. 
The ride through the park was, for the moment, 
interdicted on account of the expected visit of the 
princess. I walked to one churchyard to see if there 
was any stone to mark the place where lie the ashes 
of my friend, the late Dr. Gardiner; but there was 
none. I shall inquire further.* 

" 7th. — Rose early, with the intention of learning 
more respecting the resting-place of Dr. Gardiner, and 
concluded that to visit the clergyman was the most 
certain way of effecting this. I went to his house, 
about a mile from my lodgings, and, upon inquiry, 
found the gentleman was ill. I told his wife the 
object of my visit, and she made the inquiry I wished. 
She told me she was not married at the time of Dr. 



* Dr. John S. J. Gardiner, Rector of Trinity Church in Boston, who died in England, 
July, 1830, deeply lamented in America as a distinguished clergyman and an accomplished 
scholar. He was President of the Literary Club, by whom the Boston Athenceum was founded ; 
and the incipient measures which have produced a library of sixty thousand volumes, a build- 
ing probably more spacious and costly than any other in the United States devoted solely to 
books and the arts, with the large funds for future increase mentioned in this memoir, were 
all framed and adopted at his house. 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 239 

Gardiner's death, but that her husband remembered 
well the melancholy event. He said the body was 
interred about two miles from the spring, and that 
the service was read by an Irish clergyman residing 
near the ground of interment. He informed me that 
the stone had been erected which was the particular 
object of my inquiry. He spoke in high terms of 
respect of the memory of the doctor, and of the 
general sorrow felt at the event. The clergyman who 
read the service lies now at the point of death." 

Col. Perkins returned from this visit to Europe 
with renewed health, and, although past seventy 
years of age, engaged with characteristic energy in 
whatever attracted his attention favorably; making 
soon afterwards an arduous journey into the interior 
of Pennsylvania, to visit the mining region. 

In 1838, his commercial firm was dissolved; and 
he withdrew from business with a large fortune, after 
having been actively engaged in commerce for more 
than fifty years, though within the last ten his per- 
sonal attention to its afiairs had been considerably 
relaxed. His success had been great, but by no 
means uninterrupted. Severe disappointments and 
disasters, from causes beyond his control, made part 
of his experience ; and, while he had great confidence 
in his own ability to direct, he well knew the impor- 
tance of leaving as little as possible to accident in any 
enterprise that he undertook. 

An instance of the readiness with which he could 
sometimes decide on the advantages to be justly ex- 



240 MEMOIR OF 

pected from commercial operations, when proposed, 
will serve to show the extent of his information, and 
the value of such information in enabling those who 
engage in commerce at all to act with clear discern- 
ment, instead of trusting to blind chance in specula- 
tion. He had used such information and discernment 
himself with striking effect, even so far as to pause 
in his career, and stand somewhat aside for years, 
when others, moved partly by an ambitious desire to 
rival him in commerce, had sought to rise from the 
grade of successful dealers in purchases from his 
cargoes, and become the owners of ships, import- 
ing cargoes of their own. Insolvency and melan- 
choly oblivion or insignificance have, since then, been 
the lot of most of them. But when enterprises re- 
quiring capital, and, still more, judgment, beyond 
their resources and capacity, had led them into em- 
barrassment, there necessarily came a pause on their 
side, of which he and those who were associated with 
him took skilful advantage in a rapid succession of 
voyages that have rarely had a parallel for success. 

The particular instance referred to was this : About 
thirty years ago, the price of coffee, which for a long 
time previously had been as high as twenty-five cents, 
had declined to fifteen cents per pound ; and Col. Per- 
kins being in New York for a day or two, on a visit 
to a daughter who resided there, a wish was expressed 
that it might be suggested to him, that, the temporary 
depression having made it a fit subject for specula- 
tion, if he should be disposed to engage in it on the 
extended scale to which he was accustomed, there 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 241 

was an opportunity to secure a large quantity on even 
more advantageous terms. As coffee was an article 
out of the line of his usual operations, and not likely 
to attract his particular attention, the subject was 
mentioned to him rather for entertainment, in con- 
versing upon the occurrences of the time and the 
news of the day, than in the belief that he would 
give it serious thought. Without hesitation, and with 
the ease and decision of an able lawyer or surgeon in 
giving an opinion on any case presented to either 
of them professionally, he answered to this effect : — 

" The depression in coffee is not ' temporary.' 
Whoever makes purchases now at fourteen cents, or 
even at thirteen cents, will find that he has made a 
mistake, unless he means to take advantage of any 
transient demand to dispose of it speedily. There 
are more coffee-trees now in bearing than are suffi- 
cient to supply the whole world, by a proportion that 
I could state with some precision if necessary. The 
decline in price is owing to accumulation, which will 
be found to increase, particularly as there are new 
plantations yet to come forward. Coffee will eventu- 
ally fall to ten cents, and probably below that, and 
will remain depressed for some years. The culture 
of it will be diminished. Old plantations will be 
suffered to die out; and others will, in some cases, 
be grubbed up, that the land may be converted to 
new uses. At length, the plantations will be found 
inadequate to the supply of the world. But it re- 
quires five or six years for the coffee-tree to reach its 

31 



242 MEMOIR OF 

full bearing. Time, of course, will be required for 
the necessary increase ; and the stocks on hand will 
be diminishing in the mean time. A rise must follow. 
Whoever buys coffee twelve or fifteen years hence 
at the market price, whatever it may be, will probably 
find it rising on his hands ; and fortunes may be made, 
unless speculative movements shall have disturbed 
the regular course of events." 

With so clear an outline for the future, it was in- 
teresting to observe what followed. Coffee gradually 
fell to less than ten cents, and remained low. One 
consequence, usual in such cases, ensued, — the con- 
sumption increased. Misled, perhaps, by this, and an 
impatient desire to be foremost in securing advantages 
which by that time were generally foreseen, parties 
began to move in a speculative spirit about five years 
before the time thus indicated. They made great 
purchases, and large quantities were held in expecta- 
tion of profit. It was curious to notice the action, 
and hear the remarks, of various persons concerned, 
in what ensued, according to their different degrees 
of intelligence on a subject that was not, even then, 
fully understood by all. Coffee rose considerably. 
Some of them secured a moderate profit while they 
could ; others, arguing on a crude belief, that, as 
coffee had been at twenty-five cents, there was no 
reason why it should not attain that price again, 
determined to wait for far greater profits. The stimu- 
lant given to the demand, by withholding large quan- 
tities from sale, developed greater stocks than were 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 243 

supposed to exist. The movement was found to be 
premature, and coffee fell again in price. Immense 
sums were lost. Bankruptcy followed, with many a 
heartache that might have been prevented by counsel 
from one like him, who had the comprehensive views 
and thorough knowledge that belong to a complete 
merchant. 

This unwise anticipation somewhat retarded and 
diminished the well-founded rise that had been fore- 
told. But it came at length, and some moderate 
fortunes were made by it ; though the dreams of the 
speculator, of a return to the high prices that pre- 
vailed in the early part of the century, have never 
been realized. 

After his retirement from commerce, Col. Perkins 
found sufficient occupation in the management of his 
property ; in various matters of a public nature which 
interested him; and in the cultivation of trees, and 
particularly of fruits and flowers, on his estate at 
Brookline. He was remarkable for his love of natm^e ; 
and, in travelling, sometimes went far out of his way 
to examine a beautiful tree or to enjoy an interesting 
view. Occasionally he made a voyage to Europe, 
renewing his observations on the changes and im- 
provements that were to be seen there. He had 
crossed the Atlantic many times besides the instances 
that have been referred to, always keeping a diary, 
which he filled with the incidents that occurred, 
with the results of his inquiries, and with remarks 
worthy of an intelligent traveller, and sending home 
works of art, some of which were bestowed as gifts. 



244 MEMOIR OF 

He took a lively interest in the progress and welfare 
of American artists; kindly aiding some who desired 
to improve by studying the great models in Europe, 
and liberally purchasing the works of those who 
deserved encouragement. He was generally very 
agreeable to those whom he incidentally met as fel- 
low-travellers ; and, where he became known abroad 
as an American, he left a very favorable impression 
of the character of his countrymen. 

Active industry had been, and continued to be, the 
habit of his life. The day with him was well oc- 
cupied, and equally well ordered. He had long been 
accustomed to rise early, to consider what required his 
attention, and to prepare so much of what he had to 
do personally as he could perform by himself, that 
he might meet the world ready to decide and direct 
promptly and clearly. This enabled him to transact 
business with ease and accuracy, and made him so far 
master of his time that he found leisure for various 
objects, both of usefulness and enjoyment, as well as 
for courteous and kind attention to the affairs and 
wishes of others, which it might have been supposed 
would hardly be remembered by one so occupied. 
Each day with him was the illustration of a thought 
which young men, and particularly young men enter- 
ing on commercial life, will find to be a safeguard 
against precipitation or perplexity, and against the ir- 
ritation, as well as the miserable shifts, to which they 
sometimes lead. The action of the mind in prepar- 
ing with calm foresight what is to be done, before it is 
absolutely necessary, is widely different from its action 



THOMAS HANDASYD TERKINS. 245 

when affairs are left until necessity presses, and the 
powers are confused by various calls on the attention 
in the midst of hurry and embarrassment. What is 
only method in the first case actually becomes a 
faculty, and sometimes passes for uncommon ability, 
of which it has the effect. On the other hand, some 
men, who really show great powers when pressed by 
necessity for despatch, are in truth unable^ without 
being aware of such a defect, to foresee and prepare 
what they have to do before they feel the pressure. 
When that ceases, the exertion too often ceases with 
it ; and important matters are left to be done at some 
future time, which perhaps are never done. The 
older they grow, the more incurable is the evil ; and 
melancholy instances might be given of bankruptcy 
late in life, after great success, which might be traced 
chiefly to this cause. It is said that the Hon. Peter 
C. Brooks, of Boston, who left a large fortune, after a 
life well worthy of imitation, on being once asked 
what rule he would recommend to a young man as 
most likely to insure success, answered, " Let him 
mind his business." And to a similar inquiry, it has 
been said that Robert Lenox, Esq., of New York, 
well remembered as one of the most distinguished and 
estimable merchants ever known in that great city, 
and for his wide hospitality, once answered, " Let him 
be beforehand with his business." One answer seems 
to include the other; as no man can be beforehand 
with his business, and enjoy the tranquil self-posses- 
sion that accompanies forecast, unless he minds it 
unremittingly. 



246 MEMOIR OF 

At one time, when Col. Perkins had decided to 
leave home for some time on a long journey of 
several thousand miles to the South and West, ap- 
plication had been made to him to give his guaranty 
for a considerable sum, to enable one whose welfare 
he wished to promote to engage in a commercial con- 
nection that seemed to offer great advantages. As 
the magnitude of the aifair required caution, it was 
expected, of course, that, when he had considered the 
subject, explanations on various points would be 
necessary before he could decide to give it ; and it 
was intended to take some favorable opportunity, 
when he might be entirely at leisure, to explain every 
thing fully. Suddenly, however, he found it best to 
commence the journey a week or two sooner than 
had been mentioned ; and engagements of various 
kinds, previously made, so occupied him in the short 
interval left, that there seemed to be no time for offer- 
ing such explanation without danger of intruding; 
and the hope of obtaining his aid at that time, in an 
affair that required prompt action, was given up. 
The applicant called at his house half an hour before 
he was to go, merely to take leave, knowing that the 
haste of departure in such cases usually precludes 
attention to any matters requiring deliberation. On 
entering the room, however, he found there was no 
appearance of haste. All preparations for the journey 
had been entirely completed in such good season, that 
the last half-hour seemed to be one entirely of leisure 
for any thing that might occur. After a little chat. 
Col. Perkins introduced the subject himself, and made 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 247 

pertinent inquiries ; which being answered satisfacto- 
rily, he gave the guaranty, and very kindly added a 
further facility, by allowing, until his return, the use 
of a considerable sum of money which he was leaving 
in the bank. The arrangements were, in consequence, 
completed the next day. They proved, in the result, 
to be eminently successful : all pledges were redeemed ; 
his guaranty was cancelled in due course, without the 
slightest cost or inconvenience to him ; and the person 
whom he wished to oblige received very large profits, 
which happily influenced the remainder of his life, 
and which he perhaps might never have enjoyed, 
if that last half-hour before the journey had been 
hurried. 

When doing an act of kindness like this, he seemed 
to derive great pleasure from the consciousness that 
the action of his life had given him the power to pro- 
duce such results by the single influence of his name ; 
from all proofs, too, which followed, that he had 
decided correctly in bestowing his confidence where 
he believed it to be deserved ; and from indulging an 
impulse of his nature that prompted him to diffuse 
happiness where he had the opportunity. 

Numerous instances might be given of his kindness 
in promoting the success of others, and particularly 
of young men engaging in voyages or other commer- 
cial enterprises; and he always showed a warm in- 
terest in the Mercantile Library Association of Young 
Men in Boston, to whom he made a donation to aid 
in the erection of a building. 

In a general view of his character, he appeared 



248 MEMOIR OF 

as exercising the influence of one having a nice sense 
of propriety with reference to the opinion of others, 
love of order, a high standard of action, and a desire 
to promote whatever tended to general advantage 
and respectability, with such steadiness of purpose as 
gave power to his example. His manners, formed in 
an age of ceremony which has passed, retained some- 
thing of its courteous dignity, divested of what was 
artificial, and united with the ease of our own time. 

As a leader of the Federal party, that party which 
sustained the administration of Washington and 
transmitted its principles, he had personally known 
most of the distinguished men of the country who 
belonged to the period next succeeding the Revolution, 
and was intimate with many of them. He had thus 
enjoyed the advantages of intercourse Mdth eminent 
statesmen who had aided in giving the present form 
to the government of the Union, or in directing its 
early action ; among whom the high principles and 
the resolute decision of his own political character 
made him a welcome associate. 

His personal appearance so far indicated his charac- 
ter, that an observer of any class who saw him for 
the first time was very likely to be impressed Avith a 
desire to know who that personage might be. "A 
very noble-looking man ! " said a young woman who 
was called to fetch him a glass of water when he 
stopped one day at the house of a friend some miles 
from town. " Ce beau meillard ! " — that beautiful 
old man ! — exclaimed the wife of a foreign ambassa- 
dor, in speaking of his reception of her at his country- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 249 

seat, when some one was showing her the environs 
of Boston. And, in repeated instances, foreigners of 
rank have remarked in a similar tone on his person, 
and the high-bred courtesy of his manner. 

Great personal strength and entire self-reliance 
made him almost heedless of danger, in the full con- 
fidence that he had the power and the presence of 
mind to do just the right thing at the right moment; 
and he had, at different times, some remarkable 
escapes. On one occasion, when driving towards 
town over a road made in one part on the slope of a 
hill, with a steep bank on one side, and a descent, 
guarded by a wall, on the other, some object fell from 
the top of the bank on his right so suddenly that his 
horse, a powerful animal, sprang to the opposite side, 
and dashed into a run. Close before him was the stiff 
branch of a large apple-tree, projecting over that side 
of the road, at about the level of his waist as he sat. 
He leaped at once from his seat over the wall, alight- 
ing unhurt in the orchard below ; and, in an instant, 
the top was swept from the vehicle in a manner that 
must have proved fatal to himself if he had remained 
in it a moment longer. 

Though fond of social intercourse, his opinions 
were often conveyed in monosyllables, or short and 
terse expressions ; and he was more inclined, whether 
abroad or at his own table, to promote conversation 
in others than to talk much himself. But he listened 
with attention, and contributed readily, from the stores 
of his experience and knowledge, whatever occurred 
to him as interesting, — occasionally introducing an 

32 



250 MEMOIll OF 

anecdote with striking effect, but rather as if he were 
stating a fact than telling a story. He used language 
with precision ; his expressions were concise ; and his 
words carried the full force that belonged to them, 
all the more because there was no attempt to exagge- 
rate their true and precise meaning. The instances 
that he gave were usually such as had occurred with- 
in his own knowledge in reference to remarkable 
events or distinguished men ; and most of them might 
well have found place in history or biography. But 
occasionally he related incidents of an amusing cha- 
racter, such as the following, and in a manner that 
afforded great entertainment. 

In one of his early visits to London, Stuart, the cele- 
brated portrait-painter, whom he knew well, resided 
there, occupying apartments as a bachelor, with a boy 
to attend him. One day, Stuart sent the boy with a 
message to a man of rank, to say that he could com- 
ply with a request to give him a sitting, if he would 
come at a certain hour. The boy went off, accom- 
panied by a large and favorite dog of his master's, 
but did not return at the time expected ; and Stuart 
waited, receiving no answer, until he found that the 
forenoon was lost. He then went out to take his 
usual walk ; and as he strolled on, finding himself in 
that part of the city where the mother of the boy 
resided, he made her a visit, and inquired whether 
her son ever came to see her. " Oh, yes ! " she said : 
he had been there that morning, with a great dog, 
both of them full of mischief; and there had been 
such a time ! First, they discovered a piece of beef- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 251 

steak intended for her dinner, which, after great 
struggles, the dog had been suffered to devour. Then, 
in a scene of froHc and riot, they had upset her wash- 
tub, and had just gone off. He desired the woman 
not to mention his own visit to her ; and on returning 
home, and inquiring what was the answer brought, 
was told by the boy that he had been unable to find 
the place, having lost his way, and got back as he 
could ; to all which he said nothing, except as a slight 
caution to be more attentive to the direction in future. 
Soon afterwards, his dinner was brought, as usual, 
from a chop-house, and the boy took his accus- 
tomed stand opposite to him; while the dog placed 
himself at his side, expecting an occasional mouthful. 
In due course, Stuart, taking a piece of juicy meat on 
his fork, held it towards the dog ; but, after looking 
at him for a moment, suddenly drew back with well- 
feigned surprise, exclaiming, " How is this ? What ! 
dined already 1 " And he looked earnestly at the boy, 
who became alarmed. Turning again to the dog, 
with the meat still withheld over him, he said, " Ah 1 
and beef-steak ! Is it possible ? " Casting an angry 
and searching look at intervals towards the boy, he 
went on : " What ! a wash-tub 1 — and upset it too 1 " 
He at length turned back to the table ; and, laying 
the fork on his plate, folded his arms, and looked 
intently at the culprit. The boy, aghast at these 
supernatural disclosures, as they seemed, from the 
dog, confessed the whole, making solemn promises 
for his future behavior, which became exemplary. 
The pretended wonder of the artist, the eagerness 



252 MEMOIR OF 

and disappointment of the dog, and the conscience- 
stricken amazement of the boy, were all presented in 
vivid light, while he only seemed to be mentioning 
casually what had occurred. 

The following is an incident of a different charac- 
ter, which occurred in the National Convention during 
the French revolution, and of which he was an eye- 
witness. He related it with great effect. Soon after 
the death of Robespierre, one of his former associates 
proposed a sanguinary law ; which was objected to, by 
a member who had been a butcher, as unnecessarily 
cruel. The deputy who proposed it said, with a sneer, 
that he had not looked for such fine sentiments from 
one whose trade had been blood. The butcher, a 
burly, powerful man, starting to his feet as if he 
would destroy his opponent, exclaimed, " Scelerat ! 
scelerat ! Je n'ai jamais trempe mes mains que dans 
le sang des animaux. Sentez les votres ! " * 

It has been thought that he showed a lack of dis- 
cernment in judging of character. Whatever might 
be the truth as to any defect of that sort, it rarely, if 
ever, appeared in making unjust imputations, but 
rather in giving others credit for good qualities which 
they did not possess. Although he used strong terms 
in condemning, on some occasions, what he disap- 
proved, he seldom spoke in disparagement of any 
one ; and, if he listened, it was with no indication of 
pleasure at hearing any thing to the disadvantage of 
others. There certainly were cases in which he found 

* " Wretch ! wretch that you are ! I have never imbrued my hands but in the blood of 
beasts. Smell of your own ! " 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 253 

that his confidence had been misplaced; but, as he 
was not apt to communicate his motives fully, it was 
not clear whether it arose entirely from error of judg- 
ment, or partly from a readiness to take risks of 
which he was aware. In some instances, he misun- 
derstood the intentions or difficulties and embarrass- 
ments of others, and occasionally spoke with warmth 
where he supposed there was just cause for displea- 
sure, though he was more likely to be quite silent at 
such times ; but no one was more ready than he to 
make reparation, if it were explained to him that he 
had been unjust. Probably he was supposed to be 
unfriendly in other instances, when he would have 
appeared to be entirely kind if he had talked more 
freely. His nature was affectionate, appearing par- 
ticularly so towards children ; and many of them were 
his intimate friends, habitually exchanging with him 
the liveliest pleasantry with perfect freedom. 

It is not uncommon with those whose feelings are 
characterized by great energy, as his were, that, from 
an apprehension, perhaps, lest strong emotion might 
escape control if expressed in any degree whatever, it 
is guarded with such entire suppression and reserve, 
that they seem to those around them almost to have 
no feeling at all, when, in truth, they feel most deeply. 
A striking instance of this nature may be mentioned 
of him. 

The death of his eldest son, who was named for 
him, and in person, as well as in some points of 
character, bore a strong natural resemblance to him- 
self, occurred about four years before his own. They 



254 MEMOIR OF 

differed in character, as the son of a widow, moved by 
strong incitements to assist in relieving her of care, 
and to secure his own advancement in the world, 
might be very likely to differ from one born to the 
enjoyment and expectation of wealth, and advancing 
in youth under the auspices of a parent who stood 
high in public estimation, and possessed powerful 
influence. Like his father, he had preferred action to 
the life of a student, and went early abroad, having 
sailed for China, during the war of 1812, in a private 
armed ship, that was prepared to fight her way for a 
rich cargo, as was successfully done ; and he took 
part in one bloody'naval action, besides other encoun- 
ters. Daring in spirit, of a buoyant and generous 
temper, and eminently handsome, he was a favorite 
abroad, particularly among the officers of our public 
ships as he met them in foreign ports ; and he had 
seen much of the world, with various adventures, in 
China, in South America, and in Europe. 

He eventually joined his father's commercial house 
in Boston, and, after a few years of remarkable suc- 
cess, withdrew with a good fortune, and lived in 
affluence and leisure, amusing himself with field 
sports, of which he was fond, and varying his life by 
an occasional tour in Europe. After rearing a beau- 
tiful family, he fell the victim of a distressing illness, 
and died in the prime of life. 

At his funeral, his father appeared tranquil as 
usual, advising on some matters of detail ; and, hav- 
ing followed the hearse to the place of interment, 
chose, rather against the suggestions of those near 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 255 

him, to descend to the tomb under the church, that 
he might see that all was arranged as he had intended. 
But when nothing more remained to be done ; when 
the single lamp, by the light of which the coffin had 
been adjusted in its place, was withdrawn, and the 
door was closed in darkness and silence on all that 
remained of one who had been the object of so deep 
interest from infancy upward, — nature prevailed, for 
one moment only, over all restraint, and an involun- 
tary burst of grief disclosed the depth of sorrow that 
remained beneath the habitual composure of his 
manner. 

About two years after this, the death of Mrs. Per- 
kins took place ; and the dissolution of a tie which 
had continued for sixty-three years had a visible effect 
on him. His younger brother, Samuel G. Perkins, 
Esq., had died blind, past the age of eighty. His 
own sight was failing. Of all the family left by his 
father, he and two sisters only remained. His friend 
through life, the Hon. Harrison Gray Otis, was dead. 
The companions of his youth and middle age were 
nearly all gone. Of the association remembered as 
the " Saturday Club," consisting of some of the most 
distinguished gentlemen of the town in their day, — 
who, while they found mutual enjoyment in dining 
successively at the houses of each other, gave hospita- 
ble admission to such strangers as deserved attention, 
— only two survived besides himself. The impression 
had long been habitual with him, that the close of his 
own life was near ; and he awaited it with tranquillity. 
He had lived as he thought it was right to do. There 



256 MEMOIR OF 

appears to have been no period in which he had been 
inclined to vice of any sort. His life was marked by 
self-control. But, besides that, he seems to have had 
an innate purity and love of order that made excess 
distasteful to him. In the order of events, he had 
found the enjoyment, and incurred the responsibility, 
of great success in the acquisition of property; and 
he had shared it freely with the community in which 
he lived, — his gifts and contributions continuing 
numerous to the last. 

He had become feeble, and moved with difficulty. 
But an indomitable spirit, which remained ready for 
action still, if any thing was to be done, carried him 
once more from home as far as "Washington. This 
spirit had long before borne him through some pas- 
sages of ill health, that might have proved fatal if it 
had not been that the energy with which his mind 
opened itself to excitement and pleasure always im- 
parted corresponding vigor to his physical frame in a 
remarkable degree. 

Twenty-five years before, being greatly debilitated 
after a severe illness, he had resolved to try the eifect 
of a voyage to England, though some of his friends 
feared that he might never return ; and he sailed with 
his nephew and friend, Mr. Gushing, in a new ship 
belonging to his house. He was so weak that it was 
necessary to assist him, almost to lift him, on board 
the vessel ; but, becoming immediately interested in 
the management of the ship, and in getting to sea, 
when the pilot left them in the outer harbor he was 
already better for the excitement. He continued to 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 257 

improve during the voyage, and returned in vigorous 
health. 

A few years afterwards, being again reduced to much 
the same state, he left Boston for New York, to em- 
bark for Europe in company with his eldest son (who 
thought it unsafe that his father should sail without 
his personal care), and with his grandson, — three of 
the name. He went from home so enfeebled that 
his family doubted whether he could reach New York 
in a condition to be carried on board the packet (it 
Was before the day of steamships) ; and they were 
surprised to learn, after waiting with solicitude, that 
he was so well after the journey as to accompany his 
friend Mr. Otis, whom he met there on his arrival, 
to the theatre in the evening. 

After the decease of Mrs. Perkins, some important 
business in which he was concerned required attention 
at Washington ; and, his courageous spirit still rising 
above the infirmities of age, he made one more jour- 
ney there, resolved to see to it himself While there, 
he was concerned to find that labor was likely to be 
suspended on the monument to the memory of Wash- 
ington. On his return home, he took measures to 
rouse fresh interest in the work ; and a considerable 
sum was raised for it through his exertions. His 
action in reference to this has been publicly alluded 
to, since his decease, by the Hon. Robert C. Win- 
throp, late Speaker of the House of Representatives 
in Congress, who, at the close of an eloquent speech 
addressed to the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic 

33 



258 MEMOIR OF 

Association, at their annual festival in Faneuil Hall 
in October, 1854, spoke as follows: — 

" The memory of your excellent and lamented president 
(Mr. Chickering) has already received its appropriate and 
feeling tribute. I can add nothing to that ; but I will ven- 
ture to recall to your remembrance another venerated name. 
You have alluded, in the sentiment which called me up, to 
an humble service which I rendered some years ago, as the 
organ of the Representatives of the Union, at the laying of 
the corner-stone of the national monument to Washington. 
I cannot but remember that the latest efforts in this quarter 
of the country to raise funds for the completion of that monu- 
ment were made by one whose long and honorable life has 
been brought to a close within the past twelve months. 

" I cannot forget the earnest and affectionate interest with 
which that noble-hearted old American gentleman devoted 
the last days — and I had almost said the last hours — of his 
life to arranging the details and the machinery for an appeal 
to the people of Massachusetts in behalf of that still unfi- 
nished structure. He had seen Washington in his boyhood, 
and had felt the inspiration of his majestic presence ; he had 
known him in his manhood, and had spent two or three days 
with him, by particular invitation, at Mount Vernon, — days 
never to be forgotten in any man's life ; his whole heart 
seemed to be imbued with the warmest admiration and affec- 
tion for his character and services ; and it seemed as if he 
could not go down to his grave in peace until he had done 
something to aid in perpetuating the memory of his virtues 
and his valor. I need not say that I allude to the late Hon. 
Thomas Handasyd Perkins. He was one of the noblest spe- 
cimens of humanity to which our city has ever given birth, 
— leading the way for half a century in every generous en- 
terprise, and setting one of the earliest examples of those 
munificent charities which have given our city a name and 
a praise throughout the earth. He was one of your own 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 259 

honorary members, Mr. President ; and I have felt that I 
could do nothing more appropriate to this occasion, — the 
first public festive occasion in Faneuil Hall which has oc- 
curred since his death, — and nothing more agreeable to the 
feelings of this association or to my own, than to propose to 
you, as I now do, — 

" The memory of Thomas Handasyd Perkins." 

For a long time, he had been deprived of the use 
of one of his eyes, which was blinded by cataract, 
how long he could not tell with accuracy, — for the 
discovery that it was useless, and that he saw only 
with the other, was made by accident, and much to his 
surprise, — but it must have been more than twenty 
years. Opening it one morning while the right eye 
was buried in the pillow, he found himself unable to 
perceive any objects about him. For many years, 
however, he saw well enough for common purposes 
with the other ; but, more recently, even that one had 
caused him so much trouble that he lived in fear of 
total blindness. Early in 1853, cataract appeared in 
that eye also, and was making such rapid progress 
that in a few weeks all useful vision was lost. Under 
these circumstances, he resolved to submit to an ope- 
ration on the one that had been so long obscured. It 
was successfully performed by Dr. H. W. Williams, of 
Boston, the cataract being broken up in the month 
of March. Some time was necessary for the complete 
absorption of the fragments ; but, in less than three 
months, the pupil had become entirely clear, and, by 
the aid of cataract-glasses, he could not only see large 
objects as well as ever, but could read the newspapers, 



260 MEMOIR OF 

and even the fine print in the column of ship-news. 
His sight was at times rendered feeble afterwards by 
the general debility of his system, and he never 
recovered the power of reading and writing with 
entire ease ; but to do both in some degree was an 
advantage, in comparison with total loss of sight, that 
could hardly be appreciated, particularly as it enabled 
him still to manage his own affairs, which he always 
wished to do, and did to his last day, — even keeping 
his books with his own hand, except for a few months 
of his last year, when the entries were made from his 
dictation. 

In this, the last year of his life, he gave one more 
remarkable proof of his continued interest in what 
was going on about him, and of his readiness to aid 
liberally in all that he deemed important to public 
welfare and intelligence. A large and costly building 
had been erected for the Boston Athenseum, by con- 
tribution from the public, liberally made for that 
purpose, that there might be such a one as would 
correspond to the aspirations of the accomplished 
scholars, who, fifty years before, had founded the 
institution. A fund was now to be provided for 
annual expenses, and for regular additions to the 
library. With this view, an effort was made to raise 
a fund of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. 
As Col. Perkins had already done a great deal for the 
Athenaeum, no application was made to him for fur- 
ther aid. He, however, voluntarily asked for the 
book containing the largest class of subscriptions, 
and added his name to those contributing three thou- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 261 

sand dollars each. Soon afterwards, he inquired of 
the President of the Athenaeum what progress had 
been made, and was told that the subscriptions 
amounted to eighty thousand dollars, — all of them 
being, however, on the condition that the full sum 
should be made up within the year ; that every 
thing possible seemed to have been done ; but that, 
as people were leaving town for the summer, nothing 
further could be obtained until the autumn ; and that 
it was doubtful whether the object could be effected 
even then, by raising forty thousand dollars more, as 
the applications appeared to have been thoroughly 
made by a numerous committee. He then gave his 
assurance that the attempt should not be suffered to 
fail, even for so large a deficit as that, and agreed to 
be responsible for it, in order that the subscriptions 
already obtained might be made binding ; stipulating 
only that nothing should be said of this until the expi- 
ration of the last day fixed, and that the efforts to ob- 
tain it from the public should not be at all relaxed in 
the mean time. Further assistance from him, however, 
was rendered unnecessary, chiefly by the noble be- 
quest of Samuel Appleton, Esq., a man of liberality 
and benevolence like his own, who died during the 
summer, leaving the sum of two hundred thousand 
dollars to trustees, to be distributed, at their discre- 
tion, for scientific, literary, religious, or charitable 
purposes. The trustees appropriated twenty-five thou- 
sand dollars of this to the fund. for the Athenaeum; 
and the remaining sum of fifteen thousand dollars 
was easily obtained by further subscriptions at large. 



262 



MEMOIR OF 



But the assurance given by Col. Perkins, although 
any call on him thus became unnecessary, was useful 
in warranting that confidence of success which helps, 
in such cases, to secure it. 

In January following (1854), he found it necessary 
to submit to a slight surgical operation, for the remo- 
val of some obstruction that troubled him. He had 
passed most of the day — the 9th — in attending to his 
domestic payments for the preceding year ; arranging 
the papers himself, with his usual method in business. 
The operation was successfully performed by Dr. Cabot, 
his grandson ; and he went to bed with the agreeable 
prospect of finding himself relieved for the remainder 
of his life of what had, for some time, made him 
uncomfortable, — but with a caution, too, from his 
surgeon, not to rise the next morning, but remain 
in perfect quiet. In such matters, however, he had 
habitually judged and chosen to act for himself; and 
in this instance he gave too little heed to the caution, 
— refusing, too, to have any attendant in his chamber, 
as had been recommended. He passed a good night ; 
and, feeling only too well after it, chose to rise rather 
early the next day. After being partly dressed, be- 
coming faint, he was obliged to lie down on the sofa, 
and never left it. He became more and more feeble 
through the day ; and, falling into a state of uncon- 
sciousness towards evening, he continued to breathe 
for some hours, sleeping without pain or distress, and 
died tranquilly on the morning of the 11th, soon after 
midnight, in the ninetieth year of his age. 

The impression of his character left on the com- 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 263 

mnnity was such as had been sketched a short time 
before — in language that hardly admits of improve- 
ment, and needs no addition — by the Hon. Daniel 
Webster, in a note written with his own hand on 
the blank leaf of a copy of his works presented to 
Col. Perkins : — 

" Washington, April 19, 1852. 

" My dear Sir, — If I possessed any thing which I 
might suppose likely to be more acceptable to you, as a 
proof of my esteem, than these volumes, I should have 
sent it in their stead. 

" But I do not ; and therefore ask your acceptance of a 
copy of this edition of my speeches. 

" I have long cherished, my dear sir, a profound, warm, af- 
fectionate, and I may say a filial, regard for your person and 
character. I have looked upon you as one born to do good, 
and who has fulfilled his mission ; as a man without spot or 
blemish ; as a merchant known and honored over the whole 
world ; a most liberal supporter and promoter of science and 
the arts ; always kind to scholars and literary men, and greatly 
beloved by them all ; friendly to all the institutions of reli- 
gion, morality, and education ; and an unwavering and de- 
termined supporter of the constitution of the country, and of 
those great principles of civil liberty which it is so well cal- 
culated to uphold and advance. 

" These sentiments I inscribe here in accordance with my 
best judgment, and out of the fulness of my heart ; and I 
wish here to record also my deep sense of the many personal 
obligations under which you have placed me in the course 
of our long acquaintance. 

" Your ever-faithful friend, 

"DANIEL WEBSTEK. 
"To the Hon. Thomas H. Perkins." 



264 MEMOIR OF 

A meeting of the merchants of Boston was held at 
the Merchants' Exchange, for the purpose of testify- 
ing their respect for his memory. The following is a 
report of the proceedings as published : — 

The meeting was called to order by T. B. Curtis, Esq., 
who proposed that Hon. Abbott Lawrence be invited to 
preside on the occasion. The motion was unanimously 
adopted. 

Mr. Lawrence, on taking the chair, said, " I thank you, 
gentlemen, for the honor you have conferred on me in 
placing me in the chair on this occasion. You all know 
the cause of this meeting; and a melancholy occasion it is. 
It was thought fit and proper, by the merchants of Boston, 
that some special notice should be taken of the death of 
Col. Thomas H. Perkins. In regard to the appropriateness 
of such a course, there is no difference of opinion. 

" I feel, as you feel, that we have lost our guide, our great 
exemplar, in the mercantile profession. I have looked, from 
a very early age, to Col. Perkins as the great merchant of 
Boston ; as a man endowed with great talent ; ever devoted 
to the best interests of his country, — his whole country ; 
a man incapable of a mean thought or action; and a man 
who has done more to elevate the mercantile character than 
any man now living among us. We therefore feel it due to 
the memory of a man and a merchant so distinguished as 
Col. Perkins, that liis death should be noticed by the mer- 
chants of Boston. 

" There are many topics," Mr. Lawrence continued, " in 
connection with the memory of Mr. Perkins, which press 
upon my mind ; but this is not the time or place for me to 
speak of his character, or the general attributes he possessed. 
We all look with reverence and respect upon them ; and 
this meeting has been called to give some testimony to the 
world of the honor and respect in which we hold his charac- 
ter, as a man, a philanthropist, a friend of science, of art, and 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 265 

of literature. Though a merchant, he was not confined to 
the mercantile profession alone ; but has taken an active 
interest, for over threescore years and ten, in all the de- 
partments of literature, science, and philanthropy. It is 
remarkable that a man of his age should have been so fresh 
in his feelings in these particulars, — a characteristic which 
was as marked twelve hours before his death as it was twenty 
years ago. 

" But I must leave his character to be spoken of by others. 
I will only say, that, in all the relations of life, he was faith- 
ful. Even to the sitting on juries, he was conscientious ; 
and never omitted it, whether it was for a longer or shorter 
period. Another duty he always performed, which some are 
too apt to neglect : he always went to the polls and voted, 
because he deemed it one of the highest duties, as well as 
one of the most valuable privileges, of an American citizen. 
But, gentlemen, I will not detain you longer ; and will ask 
you to complete the organization of this meeting by nomi- 
nating one or more persons for secretaries." 

Joseph B. Glover and James Sturgis, Esqrs., were nomi- 
nated, and unanimously chosen, for secretaries. 

John Amory Lowell, Esq., then addressed the Chair as 
follows : — 

" We have met here to-day, Mr. President, almost without 
notice, in obedience to a spontaneous and irresistible impulse, 
to exchange our feelings of regret and of respect for the 
memory of one so much the senior of even the more advanced 
among us ; whose name we have from childhood regarded as 
the very symbol of mercantile honor and success. We would 
fain contribute our mite to the universal testimony of society ; 
for to us he peculiarly belonged. He was emphatically a 
merchant. His very bearing reminded us of that noble class 
of men, whose pride centres in the profession they contri- 
bute so largely to adorn. Few of his associates in business 
remain to tell us of his professional career ; but around us, 
on every side, are the enduring monuments of the munifi- 

34 



266 MEMOIR OF 

cence and public spirit which graced and dignified the retire- 
ment of that serene old age. 

*' Mr. President, I may not trust myself to enlarge on 
this topic, lest I perchance be deemed to glorify the past, — 
' Laudator temporis acti.' I will simply ofier for the accept- 
ance of this meeting a few resolutions expressive of those 
feelings, in which, I am sure, we all cordially unite : — 

" Whereas, We have met here to-day to exchange and reciprocate the 
feelings elicited by the death of one of the oldest, of the most distinguished, 
and of the most public-spirited of those merchants who have so largely 
contributed to raise the standard of mercantile honor in this community, 
and who have caused the name of Boston to be respected at home and 
abroad ; and 

" Whereas, All history and all experience show that Uteratm-e, science, 
art, all that ennobles and refines humanity, are ultimately connected with 
the prosperity of commerce ; and it is our intimate conviction that that 
prosperity is dependent upon, and inseparable from, those qualities for wliich 
Col. Perkins was so eminently distinguished ; — 

" Resolved, That, while we deeply mom-n the loss that this community 
has sustained, it is a loss not unalloyed with pride in the high honor, the 
great public spiiit, the extensive benevolence, and the noble example, of 
Thomas Handasyd Perkins. 

" Resolved, That the history of his life encourages us all by the example 
of a long, honored, and successful career, and affords a valuable illustration 
of the connection of private with public j)rosperity. 

" Resolved, That, whatever of just estimation may have been awarded to 
Boston for her enterprise, her sagacity, her institutions for education, litera- 
ture, pliilanthrojiy, or art, a prominent share must be attributed to him who 
was ever foremost where any good deed was to be done. 

"Resolved, That these. resolutions be respectfully communicated, as the 
spontaneous and mianimous sentiments of this meeting, to the family of the 
Hon. Thomas H. Perkins." 

Hon. J. Thomas Stevenson seconded the resolutions in 
the following able and appropriate remarks : — 

" Mr. Chairman, may I second the motion for the adoption 
of the resolutions ? 

" The report of the death of a noted man and a distin- 
guished merchant has summoned us here, that we may take 
counsel together as to a fit testimonial of the universal respect 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 

felt in our ,«evcantire community towards Thomas Handasyd 
Perkins, whose face we shall see no more on earth for ever. 
He was the oldest merchant amongst us. None was more 
honorable. All the qualities which go to make up and at 
the same time to adorn, the character of a merchant, shone 
brightly in him. He was a pattern of mercantile honor. In 
thai he was a man fit for an example. He was sagacious, 
bold, enterprising, honest. His word was a bond ; his pro- 
mise was the performance. His age -his great age, his 
good old age -prevents tears at the change which has con- 
ducted him to his reward. Eighty-nine summers have smiled 
upon him, and eighty-nine winters have prompted his warm 
charities. We may not utter lamentations over he needed 
repose of one who had overstepped so far the allotted bound- 
aries of the life of man; but we are here, rather, to bear 
willing witness to the love we bore him, and to the respect 
he inspired us with. Literature, science, art, each received 
his homage and his sacrifices; but his chosen altar was in 
the beautiful temple of Charity. 

"Public and private charities, -he absolutely revelled 
in them. No stoiy of distress fell upon his ear withou 
making his manly heart throb to the overflow of tears, it 
Zls not weakness: but greatness, in him. Those tears were 
the mingled outpourings of sorrow and of joy ; of sorrow 
at the suffering, of joy that he could do somethmg to alle- 
viate it. His full heart kept his full hand open. He, who 
had achieved a fortune, himself dispensed its bounties. He 
was liberal to a proverb, and as just as he was liberal. No 
public charity lacked his substantial aid. His heart b^ 
nobly in response to the wants of the less favored of his 
race and that which his heart prompted soon became his 
deed His munificent endowment of the Asylum for the 
Blind, even if it had stood alone, instead of merely overtop- 
ping a crowd of others like it, would have been enough to 
have preserved his memory; for, in that, the ^aiid which 
had been filled by an honest enterprise was opened wide by 



268 MEMOIR OF 

a cheerful charity, and many an eye that could not see him 
blessed him. We need not praise him : his deeds do that. 

" May the large place which he has filled in our commu- 
nity not be left vacant by his departure ; but may his bright 
example lead others, who, like him, are enabled to rejoice 
over a prosperous career, to realize, as he did, that the value 
of wealth is in its proper and beneficent uses ! We will not 
mourn him ; but we will remember him as an upright mer- 
chant, a kind friend, a good citizen, an honest man, and an 
honorable gentleman." 

Mr. S. T. Dana offered, as an additional resolution, the 
following : — 

" Resolved, That the merchants of Boston vfill attend the funeral services 
of the late Col. Thomas H. Perkins to-morrow ; and that, during those 
services, they will close their places of business." 

This, with the other resolutions, was unanimously 
adopted. 

There being no further business, Mr. Lawrence — with 
the simple remark, that if ever a man died in this city who 
deserved to have written on his tombstone, that " the world 
is the better for his having lived in it," that man was Col. 
Thomas H. Perkins — declared the meeting dissolved. 

The bells in the city will be tolled from twelve to one ; 
and owners and masters of ships in the harbor are requested 
to display their colors at half-mast during the day, 

Althougli private interment is most common now, 
it seemed inappropriate for one who had filled so 
large a space in public regard. The funeral service 
took place at the church of Rev. Dr. Gannett, where 
he had long worshipped, and was marked by one 
incident peculiarly touching in its association. The 
solemn music usual on such occasions was impres- 
sively performed by a large choir of pupils from the 



THOMAS HANDASYD PERKINS. 269 

Perkins Institution for the Blind, who had requested 
permission to sing the requiem for that friend through 
whom they enjoy the comforts of their spacious dwell- 
ing. A further proof of their regard for his memory 
was seen but lately, in gleams of pleasure lighting 
their faces on being promised that they should soon 
listen to this story of his life. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



Page 218. 

THE FRENCH CONSCRIPT. 

Since the account was first published in the "Merchants' 
Magazine," of the release of Jean Beau, the conscript at 
Morlaix, in the manner related, his godfather, who is still 
living at an advanced age, has stated that the circumstances 
were as follows : — 

Col. Perkins having observed the sudden gloom prevail- 
ing an hour or two after so happy a wedding, and being 
unwilling, from motives of delicacy, to make inquiries of any 
of the family, applied to a respectable bookseller, who kept 
at the next door, to learn what could be the cause of the 
apparent change from joy, throughout the house, to dismay 
and o-rief. " And you do not know, then," said the book- 
seller, " that Jean has drawn the black ball, and must go at 
once to the army ? " He answered that he had not heard it 
before, but desired to know what was necessary to be done 
to obtain a discharge. The bookseller told him that nothing 
could be done ; that a discharge could not possibly be ob- 
tained without the payment of a sum of money so large 
that Madame Beau and all her relatives could not raise half 
of it in the time required. " But I will see to that," said 



274 APPE>fDIX. 

Col. Perkins ; and it was well known in Morlaix, that, mo- 
destly as he states to Mrs. Perkins his share of the transac- 
tion in " having put the thing in train/' he paid nearly all 
the money himself. 



Page 219. 

LETTEE TO J. P. GUSHING, ESQ. 

MISSION TO ■WASHINGTON. 

The " public business in behalf of the State of Massachu- 
setts," on which Col. Perkins went to Washington in February, 
1815, had reference to the defence of the eastern frontier and 
seaboard of the United States in the war with England. It 
had become necessary to maintain a large force for that pur- 
pose from the militia, if the war was to be continued ; the 
troops of the Union being chiefly engaged in attempts on 
Canada. Direct taxes for the support of the war, very bur- 
densome in the general derangement of business, had been 
imposed by Act of Congress, and were likely to be soon very 
much increased. Under these circumstances, it was recom- 
mended by a convention of delegates from some of the 
Eastern States, held at Hartford, Conn., in December, 1814, 
that application should be made to the Government of the 
United States, requesting their consent to some arrangement 
whereby the States exposed might be empowered to assume 
the defence of their territory against the enemy, and a rea- 
sonable portion of the taxes collected there might be paid 
into their respective treasuries, and appropriated to that 
object. A resolution was adopted, in consequence, by the 
Legislature of Massachusetts, authorizing a mission to Wash- 
ington for the purpose of making the request. 

Other measures were recommended by the convention ; 
but this was the only one leading to any action except such 



APPENDIX. 275 

as would necessarily be subject to the jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Court of the United States, or to the provisions of 
the Constitution in regard to amendments. 

Col. Perkins was not a member of the Hartford Conven- 
tion ; but knowing most of the members personally, and 
having entire confidence in the purity of their motives and 
their devotion to the union of the States, with great defer- 
ence for their wisdom, he willingly gave his support to the 
principal measure thus recommended by them, and accepted 
a place in the mission to Washington, believing that it would 
be productive of good to the whole country. 

He was accordingly commissioned, with the Hon. Harrison 
Gray Otis, and William Sullivan, Esq., to proceed to Wash- 
ington, " and make respectful and earnest application to the 
Government of the United States, requesting them to con- 
sent " to such an arrangement for defence. 

Just after his arrival there, as appears by his letter, news 
was received that a treaty of peace had been effected ; and 
any further action became unnecessary. It was his opinion, 
however, from indications at Washington when he reached 
there, that, if the commissioners who had been sent to 
Europe, early in the year preceding, had failed in their nego- 
tiation for peace, the proposal recommended by the Hartford 
Convention would have been readily acceded to by the 
General Government, as the best mode that could be adopted 
for the further conduct of the war. 

Owing to a concurrence of circumstances at the time, a 
mistaken and very unfavorable impression in regard to the 
purposes of that convention prevailed for many years. The 
subject is now better understood, and bears thorough inves- 
tigation, without hazard to the character of its members for 
patriotic attachment to the Constitution and the Union. 

The respect for that body entertained by such a contem- 
porary as Col. Perkins, is, in itself, historical testimony of 
some value. He had the best opportunity to form a correct 
judgment of its character and designs. He seems never to 



276 APPENDIX. 

have desired political advancement for himself, and his judg- 
ment was probably unbiased by any wish for it. Impatience 
for the return of peace might at first seem likely to pre- 
dominate with one engaged so largely in foreign commerce 
as he was ; but it would rather appear, from his correspon- 
dence, that his establishment in China and other extensive 
arrangements gave him such peculiar advantages for success 
during a state of war, when he had few competitors, as 
left no motive of that nature for assisting in any improper 
attempt to impede or influence the action of the General 
Government. 



Page 222. 
COMMERCIAL LETTERS. 

Boston, Feb. 7, 1795. 
Mr. Thomas H. Pekkins, Bourdeaux. 

Sir, — We have this day received certain information of the 
conclusion of a treaty of commerce and navigation between 
the United States and Great Britain, said to be bottomed on 
terms of reciprocal advantage. We are also informed that 
Holland has concluded a separate peace with France, and 
that we have every reason to suppose that Great Britain will 
stand alone in the war. If these facts are to be relied on 
(and we presume they cannot be doubted), the advantages 
we have long experienced will be continued, if not aug- 
mented ; new sources will be opened to our commerce ; and 
the late obstructions in the north of Europe so far removed 
as to offer a market for our West-India goods, and revive the 
demand for our navigation. Under these circumstances, I 
conceive many opportunities for speculation will present 
themselves during your stay in France ; and my object in 
writing you at this moment is to urge the importance of 



APPENDIX. 277 

your early attention to the advantages which may be derived 
from the existing state of affairs in Europe. I find several 
vessels have been advantageously employed in plying be- 
tween Hamburg, Rotterdam, and France, and that neutral 
vessels have been permitted a free trade even from England. 
Williams, who is in our friend H.'s brig " William," has 
pursued this business to great profit ; and I am very well 
assured he has, notwithstanding, neglected many very im- 
portant advantages, and that, in his choice of the articles he 
has carried from port to port, he has been mistaken, though 
they have yielded a profit worthy of attention. The " Betsy " 
will be with you, ere long, with a cargo of rice. This cargo, 
I conceive, will afibrd capital sufficient to be employed in the 
pursuance of this object ; and, the vessel being exactly cal- 
culated for the purpose, you will be enabled, in case of a 
continuation of the war, to keep her employed to more 
advantage in Europe than in sufiering her to return here. 
H. informs me that some articles purchased by Williams 
have given a profit of one hundred and fifty per cent, and 
that any person well qualified to pursue this object might 
render it infinitely productive. You will be enabled to 
inform yourself on this head ; and, if satisfied of the facts, 
you will undoubtedly pursue it. For my part, I am so far 
impressed with its advantages, that I am resolved (if H. will 
consent) to send the " Dolphin " out to you, that she may be 
employed while the opportunity exists. 

If you can sell your different cargoes for cash, or sure 
bills on Hamburg or Amsterdam, I would by all means 
advise it in preference to trusting to paper, which I observe 
is depreciating, and which will probably experience the same 
fate as ours at the close of the war. Many people say, 
France having obtained her ends, her paper must be better. 
The success of our contest did not produce this effect ; and 
we may justly conclude that the same causes will produce 
the same efiects, whether on this or the other side the At- 
lantic. My motives for advising your establishing a fund in 



278 APPENDIX. 

Holland are bottomed on a conviction that the best specula- 
tions which can be made will be on the goods carried from 
the northern ports to the republic, and not on the exports 
from France, which are at this moment at most extravagant 
prices, and will probably bear but a small or no profit. By 
having your specie at either of those places, or in London, 
you will not be detained to make your sales, but can provide 
your cargoes for France with greater benefit and despatch. 
The number of voyages made while the war lasts is certainly 
an important consideration. Williams has already made seve- 
ral trips on this plan, and his principal benefit has arisen from 
the despatch he has made. If you should have a surplusage 
of funds, you will establish a credit for our drafts in one of 
the above places,' on which we can undertake new voyages 
from hence. You will probably hear of the "Delight." 
She was to take a freight from Hamburg for some part of 
Europe. I hope you will find employ for her also. 

The *' West Point's " duties become due in twenty days, 
and of consequence her cargo must be shipped. H. and 
myself have been looking at a vessel this morning, which 
we probably shall take and load for Havre. Carter will go 
in her. Yours, &c. 



Boston, Dec. 8, 1795. 
Mr. James Bush, London. 

Dear Sir, — I arrived, after a tedious passage, at the port 
of New York, and, a few days since, at this place ; and I 
feel sensible it will give you pleasure when I add that my 
family and friends are well. 

The brigantine " Mary Hughes " was taken by the ship 
"Assistance," of fifty guns, and sent to Newfoundland. 
The pretence for restraining her was that she was laden 
with provisions. How long coffee, which was her only lad- 
ing, has been thus classed, I know not. She was to sail 



APPENDIX. 279 

with convoy for England about the 1st of November. The 
injury this interruption has been to our property is very 
great. I hope your exertions will insure us reparation. 
The captain is furnished with every document necessary : 
the papers he took from hence are full and exj)licit as to the 
property, destination, &c 

To fill up the measure of injustice, I have no doubt the 
captain of the " Assistance " will endeavor to get an order 
for taking the *' Mary's " cargo at the ten per cent. This 
you will oppose 

The prospect of a permanent good understanding between 
your court and the republic, gives me the fullest hopes of a 
favorable issue to the " Charlotte's " cause. My brother has 
forwarded to Mr. Bayard a claim of damages for the injury 
done us in detaining a vessel and cargo at Jamaica under 
the order of Nov. 6, 1792. The vessel is the same brig 
" Delight " (though at that time a schooner) of which you 
already know something. I hope to get the freight due the 
brig " Delight " also 



Yours, 

T. H. P. 

Boston, Feb. 8, 1796. 
Mr. James Bush, London. 

Dear Sir, — The above is duplicate of my last to you. 
We are a long time without any European arrivals, and are 
anxious to hear from your side the water. You will see, by 
our papers, how much it is the wish of this Government to 
live in peace with all the world. A few mad-heads have 
said much, and their noise has been heard afar ; but they are 
as impotent as they are desperate, and their ill intentions 
have already been frustrated. This goes by a vessel of ours 
with flour for a market in Europe, where, I have but little 
doubt, it will bring a good price. 

I am, 

T. H. P. 



280 APPENDIX. 



Boston, April 15, 1796. 
Messrs. T. H. Cazenove, Nephew, & Co., London. 

Gentlemen, .... From the cessation of hostilities on 
the Rhine, we have been led to expect a general peace ; but 
■we observe, by your letter of the 6th February, that another 
campaign will probably take place : indeed, from the exer- 
tions made in the islands, we presume the war cannot termi- 
nate the present year. We flatter ourselves our next will 
advise you that all necessary measures for carrying our 
pending treaty with Great Britain into effect will be com- 
pleted, the disorganizers of this country notwithstanding. 
From the unequalled firmness of our president, we have 
every thing to hope ; and, from the general good sense of 
the people, we conceive the Constitution will long remain 
unshaken by its present enemies. 

We remark with pleasure your approbation of the presi- 
dent's speech in the opening of Congress. We now enclose 
you his message to the House in reply to the requisition for 
the papers relative to the treaty, which, if possible, does him 
more honor than the former. 

We are, &c. 



Boston, April 30, 1796. 
Messrs. William & E. Crafts & Co. 

Gentlemen, .... We have daily accounts from Europe 
of the low prices of American produce in proportion to home 
prices. We hope you have not speculated deeply in your 
staple commodities, but have been contented with being the 
carriers for those who have been full in the faith of the last 
year's prices in Europe. In consequence of the disposition 
shown in the House of Representatives of the Union not 
to grant the supplies for carrying the British treaty into 
effect, business has been very slack for these two weeks. 



APPENDIX. 281 

All new appropriations are entirely suspended. The alarm 
is very general lest the dearest interests of our country — 
peace and national honor — should be sacrificed to party- 
spirit and Antifederalism. The doings of this place, and 
those in its vicinity, have allayed fears ; and we are full in 
faith that an appeal to the people will save us from the pre- 
cipice over which we had like (involuntarily) to have been 
precipitated. Yours, 

J. & T. H. P. 



Boston, Aug. 4, 1796. 
Mr. James Bush. 

Dear Sir, — I have none of your letters for a long time 
past, though I have been in expectation of some to tell me 
favorable news respecting the causes I am unfortunately 
interested in at your courts. We — I mean the owners of 
the " Charlotte " — hope for a favorable termination of her 
appeal through the commissioners. I was in hopes the 
freight of the " Delight " would have been awarded her ere 
now. I send you the speech of Mr. Ames, member of our 
Congress, on the subject of the appropriation to carry the 
treaty with Great Britain into effect. I also send one, which 
please to present to Dr. NichoU with my respectful compli- 
ments. 

With my most cordial wishes for the health and prosperity 
of all who interest you, 

* I am, my dear sir, yours, 

T. H. P. 



Boston, Oct. 18, 1796. 

Mr. Joseph Russell, jun., American citizen now in Europe. 

Dear Sir, .... Business in this country is becoming 
very dull. A great number of vessels are flocking to the 
American ports which have until this time been employed 

36 



282 APPENDIX, 

in Europe and the East Indies. What they will find to do 
now, we cannot anticipate. American produce is high, — 
every article of provisions at prices which exceed those 
quoted in any country we are in correspondence with. Ar- 
ticles of exports for Europe, which are the growth of the 
West-India islands, are also at nearly the same prices as in 
the places they are exported from. Thus you see we have 
but indifferent prospects of employing our navigation. The 
East-India voyages have turned out to more profit than any 
other trading voyages for some time past ; and, we think, will 
still do well if managed with skill 

We anticipate the pleasure of yet seeing you this way in 
the spring. We lament the circumstances which have re- 
tarded your eagerness to revisit your native place, and hope 
you are persuaded there are yet amongst us those to 
whom you are very dear. Our young friend* Motier is 
with our beloved President. He is fostered by this great 
man, and is considered by him as a son. Frestel is with 
him. Our T. H. P. was with him at the president's seat in 
Virginia the past summer. He spoke with much gratitude 
of your goodness to him and his hapless family. 

With respects to our friends who are with you, believe us, 
dear Hussell, &c.. Yours, 

J. & T. H. P. 



Boston, Dec. 27, 1796. 
Mr. Geokge Perkins, Smyrna. 

Sir, — The deranged state of the European trade, conse- 
quent on the existing war between Great Britain and the 
continental powers, having opened some new channels for 
the American commerce in the Mediterranean, and the expe- 
riments which have been made in those seas exciting a fur- 
ther spirit of enterprise, we avail ourselves of a conveyance 

* G. W. La Fayette. 



APPENDIX. 283 

by way of Naples to mate a few inquiries respecting the 
commerce of your city. On this subject we have conversed 
with our friend and your brother, Mr. Thomas Perkins ; but 
the unfrequent conamunications between Smyrna and this 
continent have prevented his receiving the necessary informa- 
tion. The meditated negotiations between these States and 
the powers of Tunis and Tripoli, we think, will soon remove 
all impediments between us ; and, if permission for the 
entry of American vessels can be obtained, we have strong 
hopes a sufficient incentive to an experimental voyage, at 
least, may offer. 

We have heard that many of our cargoes of coffee and 
sugar have been reshipped from Leghorn, Naples, and other 
ports in the Mediterranean, and have paid a valuable freight 
at Smyrna. The uncertainty, however, of this fact, and the 
great loss which might result from a merely speculative 
essay, render us anxious to obtain certain information of the 
state of your markets. We will therefore thank you to write 
us on this head, and inform us if an American vessel would 
be permitted an entry at your port, and under what restric- 
tions ; what articles of West and East India produce are in 
demand at your market, and what prices in English sterling 
they bear ; what returns suitable for this country can be 
made, and at what rates. 

An intercourse reciprocally advantageous, we conceive, may 
be formed between the two countries ; and as the informa- 
tion we require, and the measures which may result from it, 
will be for the joint benefit of your brother, Mr. Thomas 
Perkins, our mutual friends and connections, Stephen Hlg- 
ginson & Co., and ourselves, we feel a hope that you Avill 
favor us with your communications as early as possible. 
They may be addressed to us under cover of Messrs. Thomas 
DIckason & Co., merchants, London ; or Messrs. Degen & 
Iwertz, at Naples. 

We are, sir, with respect. 

Yours, &c., 

J. & T. H. P. 



284 APPENDIX. 



Boston, June 21, 1799. 
Mr. Lareinty, Martinique. 

Dear Sir, — We subjoin a copy of our last letter to you, 
dated 22d April. Since then, we have received yours of 
21st April. We feel much satisfied with the advice we for- 
merly gave you as to the disposition of your funds in this 
country. Such has been the uncertainty with respect to the 
political situation of America for some time past, that great 
fluctuations have been experienced in our stocks. Since 
three months, some particular species of stocks have de- 
clined eight to ten per cent. 

The present unanimity in our councils gives us confidence 
that we shall not become altogether the dupes of Mr. Talley- 
rand. We shall at all times take great pleasure in doing all 
in our power to secure your interest. We agree to the pro- 
position that you shall have liberty to retire your funds, 
giving us a little previous notice as you propose. 

We have all our concerns in the India trade at present, 
which we find more lucrative than the colonial trade, 
particularly under the present embarrassment in getting 
returns We are, &c. 

P. S. — Our T. H. P.'s best regards to Mr. and Mrs. 
Lareinty. Mrs. Perkins and our children are well, — the 
present number, four, — who will be all very happy to see 
you again in America. 



Boston, Nov. 1, 1799. 
Capt. Stephen Hall, of brig " Sally." 

Sir, — Your brig being now ready for sea, our instructions 
to you are to proceed from hence, with all possible expedi- 
tion, to the Pacific Ocean, and touch at such islands as you 
may think proper for the purpose of taking seals. Kergue- 
len's Land we think you will do well to stop at first ; and 



APPENDIX. 



285 



from thence to St. Paul's and Amsterdam, or any other 
islands you, with Mr. Peron, your chief mate, may think 

best. 

As the success of the voyage depends altogether on your 
unremitted exertions to procure seals, we do not doubt you 
will use them on all occasions. We put a great plenty of 
provisions on board your vessel ; but we calculate upon your 
making use of fish and seal-flesh occasionally for your people, 
and that your beef, pork, and bread will be used with the 
utmost economy. In voyages like that you are now em- 
barked upon, every thing depends upon harmony and good 
understanding. Good treatment and tenderness to your 
crew will do more than can be effected by diff'erent conduct. 
Mr. Peron is so well acquainted with the sealing business, 
that we shall not pretend to point out to you the mode of 
procedure, but leave to you and him to devise and execute 
your future opeiations. Should you be able to purchase 
prime seal-skins at one-quarter to one-half a dollar, payable 
by drafts on us, we authorize your doing it on account of 
those concerned in the voyage. When you have collected 
as many skins as may make it an object for you to go to 
China with them, you will proceed there, and lay out the^ 
amount they may net in such articles as you may think best, 
being governed in this by the capital you have to invest. 
You will recollect, that, unless the price of skins is high in 
Canton, the expenses in the river will take away all your 
cargo. You can learn the price at Macao, and be governed 
accordingly. Should skins be very low in China, as we 
think probable may be the case, the first eighteen or twenty- 
four months, it would be best to place the skins in the hands 
of the American consul, Mr. Snow, at Canton, until a favor- 
able opportunity for sale arrives, and proceed to the islands 
again, or go to the North-west Coast for sea-otters, if a favor- 
able cargo can be had in China. We only intimate these 
things for your consideration, and leave you to be the judges 
of carrying them into effect. We depend upon hearing from 



286 APPENDIX. 

you as often as opportunities may offer, and on having a cir- 
cumstantial account of your proceedings. Should we have 
any vessels bound to China, we shall probably order them 
to stop at Amsterdam, to visit you, and take your skins to 
China. As it is probable you may have an opportunity of 
purchasing skins from persons left on the islands in the 
Pacific Ocean, it may be necessary to say something on that 
subject. It is very far from our wishes or intentions that 
you should on any account purchase skins of any persons 
left for the purpose of sealing by any vessel which has con- 
tracted to take off the persons left. It may be (and we have 
reason to suppose it is the case) that some persons have been 
left on their own account to collect seal-skins, and are fully 
empowered to dispose of them ; in which case you will pur- 
chase them, provided you can make such a bargain as you 
may think will answer. You can better afford to pay half a 
dollar for good skins the present season than a quarter of 
a dollar the next season, provided you can get a sufficient 
quantity to induce you to go to market with them. The 
reason of this difference is, that, the next season, there will 
probably be a great glut of skins in China ; whereas, the 
present season (or, in other words, in November next, or 
earlier), the sealers will not have arrived. In all cases, when 
you purchase skins, you will be well persuaded that the per- 
sons have a good right to dispose of them ; and they will 
probably have it in their power to convince you of their 
property in them. Although we have pointed out to you 
the objects of the voyage generally, yet we authorize you to 
make such changes as you and Mr. Peron may think most 
for the interest of the voyage. We depend much on Mr. 
Peron's judgment and information in the sealing business, 
and recommend your consulting him on all occasions. We 
hope and presume there will be a perfect good understanding 
between you and Mr. Peron, whom we recommend particu- 
larly to you as a man who has our confidence, and deserves 
yours. 



APPENDIX. 287 

We again repeat to you the necessity of the most rigid 
economy in the use of your provisions, particularly of the 
bread kind. While at the islands, you will be able to eco- 
nomize in your beef, as you will there find plenty of fish. 
We think, if you should purchase skins to go to China with, 
and find them sell well, — that is, if you should get. twenty 
thousand to thirty thousand, and be able to sell them at one 
dollar and three-fourths to two dollars each, — you would 
raise capital sufficient to load the brig with Nankins ; and it 
would be best to proceed home with them, as you may be 
nearly as soon at the islands again as the people left would 
be able to make up a second cargo. 

Should you leave a large party at St. Paul's and Amster- 
dam, and go to China, we think Mr. Peron's being at the 
head of it would be important. 



Boston, Nov. 9, 1799. 
Mr. Samuel G. Perkins, London. 

Dear S., We wrote you the " Eliza " had suc- 
ceeded on the North-west, and had proceeded to China ; 
that is, she was about leaving the coast for China. We pre- 
sume, from the letters which are dated off St. Bias, that she 
would dispose of her dry-goods for about one hundred per 
cent advance. The collection of skins exceeded that of 
Magee in the " Margaret," or Swift in the " Hazard ; " 
although they were two years, and the " Eliza " ninety days. 
This is a coup cle hasard rarely to be met with. Should she 
get safe to China, of which we have but little doubt, she will 
make a great voyage. 

We are still of opinion the " Russell " had best be de- 
spatched for Batavia with $40,000, unless she can make a 
freight here which will net a handsome sum. Indeed, if 
there is no difficulty in clearing for Batavia fi'om London, 
there ought to be no question as to sending her forthwith.^ 



288 APPENDIX. 

It may be that a freight from London may be had out to 
Batavia, or that the revolution of Holland is so far com- 
pleted as that the ship may be loaded at Amsterdam without 
being implicated with the English. We are, however, of 
opinion, that the more simple the plan, the better ; and, 
for this reason, we prefer the voyage direct to Batavia and 
home. If two hundred tons could be procured for China, 
on freight, and the freight paid there, it would be best to 
send her perhaps to Canton, in preference to anywhere else ; 
and, in this case, the proceeds of freight out, and our own 
stock, could be invested in Nankins, and brought home. 
All these things are matters of calculation, and you must 
decide upon them. 

The " Massachusetts " goes to Batavia direct, with $80,000, 
The other voyage is too speculative and uncertain. We shall 
occasionally drop you a line, and hope the return of the 
" Minerva " will see you once more with us. 

God bless you ! 



Boston, Nov. 9, 1799. 
Mr. Joseph Marryat, London. 

Sir, — We have written to Mr. Samuel Perkins on the 
subject of the destination of the ship " Thomas Russell," 
and give you an extract of our letter to him herewith. 
Should no difficulty present to oppose our plan of sending 
the ship to Batavia, we wish $40,000 put into her for that 
place. 

We fear there will not be arrangements made with Hol- 
land which will authorize the projected voyage from thence 
to Batavia; and we are induced, upon reflection, to adopt 
the plan just mentioned, as the most eligible one to be pur- 
sued. We rely on your kind interference and aid in getting 
the ship to sea upon the most economical plan. 

We are, &c. 



APPENDIX. 



289 



Boston, Dec. 30, 1799. 
Mr. Samuel G. Perkins, London. 

Dear Sir, — We now send you a triplicate of our last. A 
recent arrival from India brings accounts of the Government 
of the Isle of France having declared war against us, and 
that several vessels have sailed from thence to cruise against 
our commerce. This very much alarms us; and we are 
concerned for the fate of all our vessels in those seas. We 
cannot suppose the "Russell" is still with you. Should 
she have been detained by any cause until this gets to hand, 
if bound to Batavia, let her go through the Straits of Lom- 
bok ; or, if going to China, let her go round the south 
cape of New Holland. Sever and Preble, in the frigates 
" Congress " and " Essex," sail for the Straits in a few days. 
They will, however, be too late to protect those vessels which 
will be on the return from Batavia and China in the spring. 
We have no news in the political line. The General Go- 
vernment now is, and the State Governments as they get in 
session are, making arrangements to pay honor to the memory 

of the man whom the world delighted to honor 

Hoping soon to hear from you. We are, &c. 



Boston, May 24, 1800. 

Messrs. Henry Jackson and Joseph Tilden. 

Sirs, ' — Herewith you have invoice and bill lading (duly 
attested) of the cargo on board the ship " Thomas Russell," 
Henry Jackson, master, for the sole account and risk of the 
owners of said ship, and which goes to your address jointly. 
You will proceed from hence direct to Malaga, and, on your 
arrival there, inform yourselves of the state of the markets 
in the Mediterranean ; and if, on investigation, you should 
find your cargo will sell at that place for such prices as may 

37 



290 APPENDIX. 

be preferred to further hazard, you will there dispose of the 
whole. 

If, on the contrary, you may be convinced, from minute 
inquiry and calculation, that it will be most expedient to 
proceed further up, — say to Barcelona (Genoa, if open for 
American ships), Leghorn, Naples, Smyrna, or any ports 
between those and Trieste, — you will conduct accordingly ; 
taking care, in all instances, to estimate the expenses of 
detention, extra premium, wages, &c. From your own 
knowledge of the trade of the Mediterranean, you will be 
enabled to judge of those markets where your teas, Nankins, 
and light articles will answer best ; and we would recom- 
mend your embracing the first good opportunity to dispose 
of this part of your cargo. Your coffee, sugar, and cocoa 
being (more or less) in demand at every port, they will, of 
course, govern your movements above Leghorn, and will 
alone be an object for you to proceed beyond that place. 
Having disposed of your cargo, you will convert the amount 
into Spanish dollars, with which you will proceed direct to 
Calcutta, and there invest the whole amount in such articles 
as you may think best calculated for this market from the 
memorandum furnished you, and return with this cargo 
direct to Boston. If it should so happen that you cannot 
procure dollars in the Mediterranean, and you can obtain well- 
indorsed bills on London, you may proceed to Lisbon, and 
there dispose of those bills for specie. In case it should be 
necessary, for the satisfaction and security of the purchasers 
of your bills, to receive our guaranty of their payment, we 
authorize you to use the names of the owners to that effect. 
We shall furnish you with a power of attorney, and letters 
to respectable houses in that place, to facilitate your opera- 
tions. Vessels have obtained freights, on advantageous 
terms, to go from the ports in the Mediterranean to Lisbon, 
London, and other ports within the Straits ; which would be 
quite an object for the vessel, in case you are obliged to go 
out of the Straits to look for dollars. "We should recommend 



APPENDIX. 291 

your selling at a good profit, whenever you may find it, in 
preference to going in search of extravagant mai'kets, parti- 
cularly if specie can be got in payment. You will be able 
to get advices of the state of the markets generally in the 
Mediterranean on your arrival at Malaga. Selling at one of 
the first ports will very much facilitate your voyage, and 
lessen expenses. Those are calculations which you must 
make on the spot, the ultimate object of your voyage being 
the purchase of a cargo in Calcutta ; and the speedy conver- 
sion of your present lading into dollars must be a governing 
object in your operations. 

Relying on your discretion, and having stated to you the 
general plan of the voyage, we leave you to exercise your 
judgment in its management; not doubting that your mea- 
sures will be taken for the best interest of the concerned. 
In case of taking a freight, you will take the earliest oppor- 
tunity of communicating your destination ; and we beg you 
to write us as often as you have an opportunity which pro- 
mises safety to your letters, although it may be circuitous. 
We agree to allow you five per cent upon the sales in the 
Mediterranean over and above the commission you will be 
obliged to pay to the merchant you may employ to do your 
business. This commission is to be divided between you as 
follows : Three per cent, or three-fifths, to Capt. H. Jackson ; 
and two per cent, or two-fifths, to Mr. Tilden. We also allow 
you five per cent for laying out the money arising from your 
cargo and invested at Calcutta, and to be divided in the same 
pi'oportions. Capt. Jackson is allowed five per cent privilege 
in the ship, estimated upon what she carries under deck. To 
Mr. Tilden we allow three tons privilege. Should you go as 
far as Trieste, you will deliver the letters we enclose you for 
Messrs. John & George D'Isay of that place ; and if, upon 
inquiry, you are satisfied that they can do your business 
upon as good terms as any other house, and that their repu- 
tation for solidity and fidelity is well established, you will 
give them the preference. For aiding you to transact your 



292 APPENDIX. 

business, you will have the names of many houses at the 
ports where you may probably fall in ; of all which you will 
be the best judges on the spot. Perhaps better information 
can be had of the reputation of a house at another port than 
the one of its establishment, where persons, from motives 
of interest, are sometimes led to blast the reputation of an- 
other, to enable them to establish their own on the ruin of 
those they have traduced. You will return quadruplicate 
certificates for the landing your present cargo, being particu- 
lar as to packages. You are furnished with memoranda for 
a return cargo from Calcutta, which will preclude the neces- 
sity of our saying any thing on the subject. We feel so much 
impressed with the idea that a perfect good understanding 
will prevail between you, that we think it almost unnecessary 
to mention that mutual communication in every thing which 
concerns the voyage is important. Mr. Parsons is to have 
two tons privilege. You will avoid touching at Gibraltar, 
that port being blockaded, but proceed direct to Malaga. 
Oifend no law of either of the belligerent powers ; and re- 
collect that it is important strictly to observe a conduct 
perfectly neutral, and break no acts of trade. 

It being impossible for us to provide for contingent events, 
we finally leave you to exercise your discretion if it should 
be necessary to deviate from the letter of instruction ; and, 
wishing you success in your operations, we are, in behalf of 
the owners of the ship " Thomas Russell," 

Yours, &c. 



Boston, Oct. 16, 1800. 
Wel Edel Herr Siburg, Batavia. 

Sir, — Since writing the letter of the 7th, of which we 
have the honor to annex a copy, we have received letters 
from Capt. Hutchings, who informs us he has some expecta- 
tions of going to Japan in the service of the Dutch East- 



APPENDIX. 293 

India Company. This is very gratifying to us, as we are in 
hopes, from this intercourse, to be preferred in furnishing 
the annual ship to Japan from Batavia. We repeat that we 
shall be ready to provide a ship of such force and capacity 
as may be thought most appropriate to the service for which 
she is wanted. It would be highly gratifying to us to be 
useful to you in this country. We have nothing very inte- 
resting of a political nature of which to advise you. It was 
the general opinion, both in this country and in Europe, that 
a pacification would take place in the course of the coming 
winter. From some circumstances which have transpired 
from the cabinets of the belligerent powers, within a short 
time, all hope of peace has for the present vanished. When 
this much-wished-for event will take place, it is impossible 
to calculate with any degree of precision. 

We are, &c. 



Boston, Oct. 16, 1800. 
Mr. R. B. Forbes, New York. 

Dear Sir, — We understand the United States frigate 
** New York," Capt. Morris, is destined for Batavia ; and we 
enclose letters which we wish to have forwarded by that 
ship to Capt. Hutchings, &c. It is possible the frigate may 
arrive before the " Massachusetts " leaves Batavia for home. 
Hutchings, we understand, took a freight for Japan. This 
is the report of a captain who has arrived here from Batavia. 
A letter from Hutchings mentions his expectations of doing 
this ; but, when he wrote, it was not completed. He was to 
have 1100,000 for the run. We expect he will not leave 
Batavia until late in January, or early in February. We also 
send you a letter to Mr. Peter Peron, who was landed, by 
our brigantine " Sally," at the Island of St Paul's, which 
lies in the route to Batavia, and which island is generally 
run for by vessels bound to the Straits of Sunda. There 



^294 APPENDIX. 

are eight men with Peron, and eight men on the Ishmd of 
Amsterdam, which lies about fifteen leagues to the south- 
ward of St. Paul's ; so that the object would be answered if 
the letter could be put on either, as we presume they have 
the means of communicating with each other. Capt. Hall's 
letters were unfortunately lost; so that we are uncertain if 
his return home was originally intended when he left the 
islands, or whether it grew out of circumstances which trans- 
pired at Batavia. At any rate, it would be highly gratifying 
to us to let them know our intention of sending a vessel to 
take them off. We hear they are well supplied with pro- 
visions for two years. If it should not be inconvenient to 
Capt. Morris to let his boat put this letter on shore, as he 
passes the island, he would very much oblige us, and serve 
his countrymen who are in those desert islands in a high 
degree. It would not detain his ship more than a couple of 
hours. Please to call on him, with our respects, and request 
this favor of him. "VVe hope soon to hear of your safe arri- 
val chez vous. Our regards at home. 

We are, &c. 



Boston, Dec. 4, 1813. 
Messrs. Perkins & Co., Canton. 

Gentlemen, — You will hear from us particularly and 
generally ; but, that nothing may escape us, we take notice 
of any thing that strikes us at the moment, and make a 
record of it, that it may not be omitted in our general 

letters 

- We shall not be surprised to find the war continue a year 
or two longer. Much will depend on European events. If 
the allies are successful, our rulers may be more disposed to 
meet Great Britain upon terms that are attainable. A fast 
ship, belonging to ourselves and others, will be with you. 
You must not keep her long in port ; though it would not be 



APPENDIX. ^^^ 



best to buy her teas in anticipation of her arrival. We hope 
you speculated in sea-otter skins : none can go down from 
the North-west Coast to lower the market. No vessels can 
be fitted from hence. It is said the British have sent frigates 
to the coast of Peru. If so, they will go to the islands, and 
our vessels in that quarter will be in danger. 



Boston, Jan. 1, 1S14. 
Messrs. Perkins & Co., Canton. 

.... We shall send a couple of fast schooners to Manilla, 
in all probability. We presume there is no difficulty in 
landing a cargo of teas there, to be exported, and without 
duty. This you must ascertain through some of the Spanish 
residents at Canton or Macao. What would a cargo of Congo 
tea cost, — say three thousand chests, which would load the 
" Levant," worth now, short price, $250,000, and cost say 
$36,000 ? Coming round Cape Horn, and arriving on the 
coast in winter, she would stand a good chance of getting 
in. We should be willing to try it, and hazard one-half, if 

Honqua would take the other 

You say a cargo laid in at Canton would bring three for 
one in South America, and your copper would give two 
prices back. Thus, $30,000 laid out in China would give 
you .$90,000 in South America ; one-half of which, laid out 
in copper, would give one hundred per cent, or $90,000 ; 
making $135,000 for $30,000. 

60,000 pounds indigo, even at 80 cents $48,000 

120 tons sugar, at $60 '" 

FiU up with cotton, or some other light freight, say skin tea . . 20,00 

$75,000 

would be worth here $400,000, and not employ the profits of 
the voyage to South America. Manilla sugar is worth $400 
to $500 per ton clear of duty. The ship should be flying 



296 APPENDIX. 

light, her bottom in good order, the greatest vigilance used 
on the passage, and make any port north of New York. 
Perhaps those on the eastern shore are easiest of access. 
There would be no very great chance but in the winter. 
We should not be surprised if the British send some frigates 
to the South-American coast, as one of our ships has been 
there ; but yet the danger cannot be very great of going to 

a single port 

In times like these, the resources of the head must make 
up for the limited state of trade. We have been fortunate 
in getting home our property from abroad, except what is in 
Canton ; and that we think in good hands, under your care. 
We shall perhaps add to this. If the Chinese act with 
spirit, the supercargoes will prevent capture above Macao. 
This must be all-important. If not stopped at Macao, we 
think we shall see some other vessels alonff. 



Boston, Jan. 6, 1814. 
To THE SAME. 

Gentlemen, — We have good grounds of hope that the 
present year will restore this country to a state of peace. 
Teas have risen to enormous prices, but are now declining. 
We hope that you may have bought a few thousand chests, 
for the European market, when they were low 

Teas will rise with you immediately after a knowledge 
of peace takes place. Many voyages will be undertaken 
after the war, and the country will be again flooded with 
teas 

Although we believe in peace, that event is not certain. 
A light load of Congo and Hyson teas would bear a war- 
risk, and would do well in peace. If Honqua would load 
half the ship with a cargo purposely for the European 
market, — say black teas of two or three years old, and 
bought low, — and you can see your way clear out of the 



APPENDIX. ^^ ' 



river, and in a good sailing vessel, — say the " Levant," — 
letting her go by way of Cape Horn, and calculate to reach 
the coast in December or January, making the first port on 
our eastern coast, our belief is that the ship will find us at 
peace ; and, if not, prices will be so high as to warrant the 

operation 

The North of Europe will be bare of teas ; and the first 
vessel which may arrive there after peace, and with only 
peace charges on her, will make a brilliant voyage. In all 
cases, they should call here for orders. Mr. Williams will 
write you what to expect 



Boston, Jan. 12, 1814. 

To THE SAME. 

We have already written you by this conveyance ; since 
which, circumstances have arisen which authorize an expec- 
tation that peace between this country and Great Britain will 
certainly take place in the course of the present year. Your 
calculations, therefore, may be made, with a great degi-ee of 
certainty of their being realized upon a basis of an unmter- 
rupted trade. 



Boston, July 15, 1814. 

To THE SAME. 

.... The power of France in Europe has been nearly 
overthrown. Her armies have been driven before the allied 
powers, and forced to recross the Rhine. All Germany is 
already, or soon will be, in league against her. The Hanse 
towns and Holland will no doubt be relieved from their 
shackles ; and it is confidently hoped and believed that the 
balance of power in Europe will again be restored. A mes- 
senger has recently arrived in this country, offering, in the 
name of the Prince Regent, propositions for concluding a 



298 APPENDIX. 

peace between this country and Great Britain. Under all 
circumstances, we regard it as a thing beyond a doubt that 
an adjustment of differences must follow. The President 
has accepted the overture ; and ministers will immediately be 
named to treat at Gottenburg. 

A final settlement, such as will enable us to navigate in 
safety, may be protracted, by the diplomatic habits of our 
Government, to the ensuing autumn. It may be concluded 
sooner. All will depend on the complete prostration of 
Bonaparte. God grant that this obstacle may not long in- 
tervene ! How far we shall, in time of peace, be permitted 
to pursue our former commerce, is a question difficult to 
decide. Great Britain has neither affection nor respect for 
us. Her interest will guide in relation to her future stipu- 
lations. When she can, consistently with her own rights, 
restrict us, she will naturally do so 

The duties on all merchandise were doubled on the break- 
ing out of the war, and are to be continued so until twelve 
months after a peace with Great Britain. Of course. Hyson 
tea pays 64 cents per pound ; Young Hyson Skin, 40 cents ; 
Souchong, Campoi, and Congo, 24 cents. The ship " Sally " 
arrived safely in our bay without knowing of the war. Two 
British frigates were off this harbor. She received advice 
from a fishing-boat, and ran into Plymouth. The cargo was 
all brought by land to Boston 



Boston, May 6, 1814. 

To THE SAME. 

.... Since the sailing of these vessels (19th January), 
the events which we had anticipated have been gradually 
developing. Ministers were appointed to treat with Great 
Britain at Gottenburg. They sailed from New York towards 
the end of February, furnished, as we are taught to believe, 
with full power to conclude a peace with that power. No 



APPENDIX. ^^^ 



advice of their arrival has yet reached us. If there existed 
strong inducements, when we last wrote you, to put an end 
to this ruinous war, there are now more urgent reasons lor 
its termination, foreign as well as domestic. The alhed 
powers have been extending and uniting their forces. Hoi- 
land is in possession of the Dutch. Denmark has thrown 
off the manacles of France, and formed a treaty with Great 
Britain, and has joined in the war against her former tyrant. 
All Germany, and the other Northern powers, are now pour- 
in- their armies into the heart of France. Two hundred and 
fifty thousand men, under the most able generals, were 
opposing the remains of the French forces, at the last dates 
(say 1st March), within forty miles of Pans 



[The same letter.] ^lay ^4. 

We learn, since we began this letter, that the allies 
are in possession of Paris. Bourdeaux is in the hands of 
Lord Wellington; and the white flag is now flying m that 
part of France. The Duke of Angouleme is with Lord 
Wellington, and is well received by the French, who ac- 
knowledge their joy on the occasion. Mr. Ammidon will 
give you the particulars. A peace must soon follow these 
events, both in Europe and in this country 



Boston, Nov. 17, 1814. 

To THE SAME. 

We hear that the " Jacob Jones " went safely into 
Canton, 'and presume she may be despatched before the river 
is blockaded. In such case, she ought to be here at the time 
appointed, unless captured. Our coast is closely invested, 
and the hazard of getting in very imminent. Some insur- 



>00 APPKNDIX. 

auce has been done on her, owing to her beinq; a war-buiU 
vessel, and having the reputation of a smfi sailer, at 
fifty per cent ; but very little can be had. We have 
only $8,000 written at present, and fear we shall not be 
able to etfect more, by safe men, even at that. Vessels 
built before the war cannot be insured at seventy-five per 
cent, which premium has been given on prizes taken near 
this coast and ordered in. Owing to the decline of public 
credit' consequent on a continuance of the war, and the 
many failures which have taken place, it is extremely difli- 
cult to effect sales of any sort, except for immediate con- 
sumption ; and those ai'e made only for cash, no one being 
inclined to sell on credit at this critical juncture. Under 
these circumstances, we can ill afford to pay a high premium 
and double duties. 

'We are yet unable to say when you may look for a termi- 
nation of the war. Our negotiations at Ghent have been 
suspended ; but reports say they are again renewed. It is 
possible that peace may take place in the spring, but not 
probable, unless the embarrassments and ruined credit of 
our Government shall oblige them to aceept the terms Great 
Britain may ofier. ISIr. AVilliams will be able to give you 
better data than we can, on this side the Atlantic, to judge 
the result that may follow. Europe is still in a state of agi- 
tation ; and a war between France and Great Britain may be 
renewed. I'ublic funds here (six per cent) are down to 
sixty-five, and growing worse. Nothing but peace can 
prevent an utter downfall of governmental credit and 
means 

"We have no expectation that the duties will be reduced 
for several years, if at all. Keep the " Levant " safe in port 
till yoii hear of peace. Then she may do well with black 
teas for European markets. 



APPKNDIX. 



301 



Feb. 14, 1%15. 
To THE 3AME. 

Yesterday, an express arrived, saying that pear;e ^m con- 
cluded between the commissioners at Ghent and the British 
Government on the 26th December la-st, and that the treaty 
had arrived at New Ywk by a special messenger, and was 
sent immediately to Washington, accompanied by a British 
diplomatic character. All this is true. It is now probably 
before the Government, and will no doubt be ratified in a few 
days. The terms we know nothing of, — probably the re- 
storation of all territorial acquisitions on both sides ; the same 
state in which our relations stood before the war ; with some 
new stipulations respecting the security of the frontiers 

Before this vessel sails (the schooner from Philadelphia), 
we presume peace will be proclaimed- Our T. H. P. is now 
at Washington, as one of the commissioners sent by this 
State to treat with the General Government respecting its 
af^irs. He will no doubt write you 



March I&, 1815. 
To THE 3AME, 

.... It has been remarked that the return of peace 
generally brings with it more mercantile embarrassments 
than the first year of a war ; and the reason is obvious. 
Having been long restrained from their accustomed trade, all 
classes of men are led into speculations without calculating 
the result, hoping that chance may enable them to retrieve 
lost time. This will be the case now ; and you must expect 
to see evidence of it in the adventures you will see in China. 



302 APPENDIX. 



Boston, June 7, 1815. 

To THE SAME. 

Gentlemen, — - Letters are received in town from Holland, 
stating that teas are interdicted in that country, unless under 
the authority of a newly established company, which has 
extended to it the special privilege of exclusive trade to 
China. 

We have no letters so late as those in question, which are 
dated 10th April. This arrangement must have been made 
under the expectation that Europe was to remain in peace, 
and incipient measures taken before the bold steps of Napo- 
leon were known. Upon the issue of the struggle, which 
has ere this begun, to put down the power of this extraordi- 
nary man, will depend the mercantile arrangements of France, 
Holland, Sweden, &c. So long as they are at issue with 
France, the Northern powers will be very wary, and not put 
their property on the ocean, lest some of them should again 
be compelled to wear the tri-colored cockade, and be forced 
into a war with Great Britain. It is our opinion that such 
will not be the issue of the contest. If Russia, Austria, and 
Prussia act with good faith to each other, and Great Britain 
enters heartily into the plan of putting down the dynasty of 
Bonaparte, though much blood would be spilt, yet the allies 
will eventually succeed. Were there any reliance to be 
placed on the promises of Bonaparte, it is probable the 
Bourbons would be left to mourn the loss of the throne, and 
the power of Napoleon would be left undisturbed : but, from 
past experience, no reliance can be placed on him ; and he 
would only remain at peace to enable himself more effectu- 
ally to carry on a war of conquest and ambition. It may 
take some time to effect the destruction of the French power 
under the new order of things ; and, so long as the struggle 
continues, so long will commercial regulations be unstable 
on the continent 



APPENDIX. 303 



Boston, July 10, 1815. 

To THE SAME. 

.... You will be surprised to find that we have no 
advice of hostilities in France. Reports up to the 1st June 
say the " dreadful note of preparation " is not yet complete, 
but that an early, if not an immediate, conflict must take 
place, — a conflict which must exterminate the power of 
Bonaparte, or degrade all Europe. We conceive his fate 
almost certain. If he moves, he will draw on him the united 
forces of Great Britain and the Continental powers. At any 
rate, they will not suffer him to reign. For their own future 
safety, they must annihilate his power. We have been long 
without letters from England. Many vessels are hourly 
expected, which will probably give us important informa- 
tion 



BosTox, Aug. 19, 1815. 

To THE SAME. 

.... The last accounts from Europe give us the strongest 
grounds of hope that there will be long peace on the other 
side the water, and on this side of course. Napoleon having 
been annihilated, root and branch, we think there will be no 
more war between France and the other hostile powers ; 
though it seems highly probable that they may have some 
domestic throat-cutting. If we are correct in our conjecture, 
and the Continental powers should feel such security in their 
situation as to induce their people to enter extensively into 
manufactures, they may reduce the benefit on China silks. 
Yet there is such an advantage on the part of China, from 
the low price of raw silk, and even from the price of labor, 
that we do not think that either the Italians or French can 
come in competition with the Chinese in those manufac- 
tures 



304 APPENDIX. 



Oct. 4, 1815. 
To THE SAME. 

.... It seems that the price of raw silk, and the diminu- 
tion of working hands, both in France and Italy, have made 
a very considerable rise in the article of silk manufactures, 
■which must continue for some time, until the raising of silk- 
worms can be increased, and workmen be taught the busi- 
ness. Even at the high price of silks in France and Italy, 
they would bring two for one in this market. Three years 
of war, and twice that number of restriction upon commerce, 
had made our people very rigidly economical ; and they 
bought only what was necessary, not what was luxurious. 
In place of a silk gown or pelisse, they purchased cotton for 
the first, and dispensed with the last altogether. So with 
tea. Although they did not wholly forego it, they were 
careful in the use of it ; and now, to make up for lost time, 
they feel as if they may indulge in the fashions of the city, 
and gratify their palates with the beverage of the East. This 
being the case, it will take a long time to overstock the mar- 
ket with silks ; though, from the quantity of teas on hand 
when the war began, the importations since, and the economy 
spoken of in the use of it during the war, we think the spring 
ships will cause a great fall of it in the market 



THE END. 



